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Update July 10 2007 Final Draft of the 2007 Cycling Master Plan.

Cycling Implementation Plan

Phase one of the Cycling Implementation Plan has been endorsed by Council and will be updated as required with input from the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Engineering staff was directed by Transportation Committee in late 2002 to proceed with the development of a cycling implementation plan. A two-phase approach was undertaken to balance the need to determine components of the plan that could be implemented in the short-term and to develop a more comprehensive long-term strategy.

Phase I - Approach

The first phase outlines those improvements which, for the most part, have been realized late this year (i.e. 2006). These improvements include the establishment of a spine network, which is comprised of bike routes (i.e. bicycle route marker signs only) and bike lanes. In both cases the spine network components will include only those improvements that require installation of signs and line painting and/or re-adjustments to line painting.

It is recognized that special area studies and development applications are underway in various locations within the Town (i.e. Milliken Main Street Study, Markham Road Corridor Study, etc.). Further co-ordination with respective Town staff will be undertaken to best incorporate the proposed bike facilities in these areas.

Phase I – Highlights of Implementation Strategy

The Phase I strategy has been developed based on two primary goals; to develop a visible and connected cycling network in the Town of Markham that is easily accessible and actively used by all types of cyclists; and to connect, integrate and enhance the existing transportation network to include on and off-road cycling network as a means of facilitating the use of bicycles for leisure, tourism and utilitarian purposes such as commuting, shopping, school and errands. When completed, Phase I will consist of 114 km of bikeways and will include three facility types: Bike Lanes (26 km), Signed Bicycle Routes (70 km) and Signed Bicycle Routes with Wide Curb Lanes (18 km).

Phase II – Highlights of Implementation Strategy

The second phase is expected to include the development of a set of routes and lanes, which will build on the spine network established in Phase I and serve to update the Town-Wide Bicycle System Study completed in 1998. The Phase II work will also cost and prioritize the implementation such that appropriate funds can be budgeted annually in the 10-year capital improvements program taking into account the updated development charges program. Such an approach will clearly establish the Town’s commitment to developing a balanced transportation system, which establishes a road network and transportation system that supports cycling, in addition to walking, public transit and automobile use. Such work would see co-ordination between Town departments, with public input via the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC).

Accordingly, the interests of both cyclists and pedestrians can be protected and on-road and off-road facilities can be developed.

The Phase II work would be expected to be initiated in Summer/Fall 2007 and is estimated to require nine to twelve months to complete.

For more information in the report to Council, click here.