| Ottawa’s Cycling Plan rolls forward | | | Ottawa (July 9, 2008) – Ottawa will become a healthier, more bicycle and environmentally friendly city with a comprehensive 20-year strategy, approved by City Council that details infrastructure and other improvements designed to make cycling a safer, more convenient and enjoyable travel option.“Investments in cycling infrastructure will benefit Ottawa in a number of ways, including promoting a healthy lifestyle, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution and improving the health of our citizens,” said
Mayor Larry O’Brien.A survey of Ottawa residents used in the development of the Ottawa Cycling Plan (OCP) revealed a priority list of improvements for cycling facilities. New infrastructure includes more bike lanes, paved shoulders and cycling pathways. The OCP contains a detailed review of the City’s cycling network and existing infrastructure, and includes public education and policy recommendations that will continue to improve the safety of cyclists.City Council adopted in principle, the Cycling Network ten-year implementation plan and called for the Ottawa Cycling Plan to be reviewed and updated every five years. The estimated $25 million investment over the first phase includes Capital costs of approximately $8.1 million for bicycle lanes, $9.1 million for paved shoulders and $6.2 million for multi-use pathways. New initiatives and enhancements to several existing programs will cost about $1.6 million. The cost of Phase 2 will be in the order of $60 million.“The OCP is a significant component of the City’s Transportation Master Plan that is geared to reducing dependency on motorized vehicles and promoting alternate modes of transportation,” said
Councillor Maria McRae, Chair of the City’s Transportation Committee. “The Plan works in concert with many other transportation initiatives to reduce traffic congestion and make cycling commuting more convenient and enjoyable for everyone,” she added. The City also supports cycling through the Share the Road public education campaign, the Health Department’s safety and injury prevention initiatives and through services offered by other City departments (bike racks, signage, path maintenance…) and OC Transpo (Rack and Roll Program, designated bike areas on the O-Train…).
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