[getsmart-l] Fw: Markham leads way in bike path planning

[John O'Gorman]

http://www.yorkregion.com/yr/yr4/YR_News/Newscentre/Economist_and_Sun/story/3831493p-4433106c.html
Markham leads way in bike path planning
Region also making it easier to cycle streets

Jan 4, 2007
David Fleischer, Staff Writer 
More from this author 
 (Markham) - Markham has put its best foot forward to create a new road network for cyclists, but the rest of the region isn't far behind. 
York Region is creating a pedestrian and cycling master plan to make life easier for those who dare leave their cars. 

Since October, Markham has implemented the first and most visible part of the plan, which has been two years in the making. 

Green signs emblazoned with a white bicycle, are marking out the best routes for cyclists to get from A to B. 

But what does this mean for suburban motorists who aren't used to sharing the road? 

Cyclists are being encouraged to use specific routes and drivers have to begin to think about accommodating them, said Lorenzo Mele, who has been at the forefront of Markham's plan. 

"The bicycle has a role to play in our transportation network," he said. 

"Cyclists and motorists have a shared responsibility to use the roads in a safe way." 

Markham now has 100 km of signed on-road routing, as well as 12 km of dedicated bike lanes in the burgeoning area around the civic centre. 

No large-scale plans are in place for altering current roads but as normal construction takes place, designated streets could find themselves with wider right lanes, paved shoulders or other bicycle-friendly features. 

"We're asking people to be aware of the fact that this is an evolution," Mr. Mele said. 

A completed network will include 400 km of routes with more bike lanes alongside a comprehensive off-road network, trailhead facilities and more. 

The routes are part of a larger effort that will include infrastructure such as bike racks and even cycling safety lessons the town will be hosting in the summer. 

The network is aimed at supporting recreational uses and helping commuters get out of their cars. 

"You have to work on different fronts... You have to do more than just build it," Mr. Mele said. 

Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committees (CPAC) in Markham and the region are meeting regularly, offering advice and ideas to city planners. 

Dwight Richardson volunteered to help with Markham's and soon found himself chairing both committees. 

"The dangers of cycling can be discouraging to a lot of people, myself included," Mr. Richardson said. 

The problem is especially acute for commuters who would like to use the most direct route to where they are going rather than following meandering off-road trails, he said.. 

Mr. Richardson and Mr. Mele agreed the most frequent question they received at public open houses was why they hadn't done something earlier. 

"They're glad we're doing this. It's about time," Mr. Mele said. "We're looking forward and there's an appetite here for this." 

At the regional level, the larger plan will link the various municipal systems. 

The first meeting of the regional CPAC took place in late November and Mr. Richardson is optimistic. 

"I sense a real commitment there," he said. 

In the meantime, Markham's signs will all be up early in the year and, come spring, it will be the start of something new for local bike enthusiasts. 

"It's a valuable first step, but it's only a first step," Mr. Richardson said.
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