Waterloo cycling advocates ask for wider bike lanes

Waterloo, Ont.’s cycling community is asking the city to re-evaluate and make changes to its active transportation master plan. Cyclists want wider bike lanes that don’t include the road gutter, more consideration to cycling infrastructure and educational cycling programs.

In a report posted on The Record,  Kitchener Easy Riders Bicycle Club member Rob Suffling believes the city’s minimum cycling lane width of 1.25 m is too narrow and isn’t safe, considering the growing number of people who are getting involved in active forms of transportation. He voiced his concerns about the active transportation master plan at a recent planning and works committee meeting.

Some councillors agreed to increasing bike lane widths, including Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr. “I do think we should be using 1.5 m, period,” Zehr said.

In addition to increasing the width of bike lanes, members of the cycling community suggested starting up a cycling infrastructure pilot project to consider separated bike lanes, especially on high-speed roads, and more cycling educational and awareness programs.

The 10-year active transportation master plan will be finalized in early 2015. The plan’s recommendations are expected to cost $55.5 million, plus $120,000 in signage and smaller projects.