HAVE YOUR SAY ON CYCLE NETWORK

Take your bike along any of the suggested streets or trails below and give us your opinion on how it needs to be upgraded for safer cycling or suggest an alternative route.  email us at: bellevilleonbikes@gmail.com

RIDE YOUR BIKE DOWNTOWN, HAVE YOUR SAY!

An Open Invitation,

As Coordinator of Belleville ON Bikes for 2012, may I request your participation with a City of Belleville sponsored bicyle rally to take place on Sunday October 14^th from 1.30 pm until 3.30 pm ?

Councillor Tom Lafferty and Mark Fluhrer, Director of Recreation, Culture and Communiity Services are working with us to bring increased awareness of cycling infrastructure needs in our city. We are also coordinating our rally to be part of Gleaners city wide food drive that starts at noon. Our cyclists are invited to bring a non perishable food item with them to donate to the Gleaners.

We hope to encourage cyclists of all ages to take part in a rally along Bridge Street both from the East (Bayview Mall) and from the West (Centennial Secondary School). We shall have cyclist leaders at each location by 1.15 pm and then they will lead a group along the right edge of the roadway to City Hall Market Square to arrive around 2.15 pm. Two cyclist Police officers to follow up at the rear in each direction will assist us from 2.15 pm until 3.15 pm IF they are available for such an event.

Cycling participants will be asked to read a “Bikeability Checklist” booklet, fill out five questions about their views on cycling safety and road conditions, then hand these in for review. We shall be speaking briefly about this and invite councillors or city administration people to address the issues of the Master Transportation Plan and how cycling and public transport are part of future infrastructure plans . Then entertainment will be provided by “Andie Forgie and Friends” band and some brief announcements will be followed by snacks and hot chocolate at the Market Square during the next hour.

Sincerely

Dave Smith, Coordinator, and our team: Tanya Hill, Rob Jakes, Tam Best, Andy Hanson

Belleville on Bikes

Our new Logo ..

Let's give Gleaners a food item !

Master Transportation Plan: COMPLETE STREETS ?

The Consultants Morrison-Hersfield have been hired by the City of Belleville to present a picture of the transportation growth and needs for the next 20 years in the Quinte Region and the within our City specifically.  This process will involve citizen input at various points in time,  discussions with the City engineering department, and input from stakeholders such as the Belleville Cyclist Advisory Group for example.  all modes of transportation are to be considered: pedestrians, cyclists, transit buses, trucks and cars.  M-H will make recommendations that are to guide the decision making by the City Council, who in turn have to balance the desired changes against the budget constraints in each year forward.

The concept of "Complete Streets" has become foremost in the planning of many North American Cities. The intent is to put people and place first, to enhance the livability of a city.  It is for young and old, to share the road space, and to enhance the safety, access, and enjoyment of where we work, shop or play.       Much success has already been met in New York, Chicago,  and many smaller cities.  Here it is defined:

http://www.completestreets.org/complete-streets-fundamentals/

This means that every transportation project will make the street network better and safer for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists – making your town a better place to live.


Let's hope that Belleville Ontario will be joining in this trend soon !  It's not only about change, it's about "getting it right the first time" for the long term benefit of everyone !

INTERIM CYCLE NETWORK FOR DISCUSSION

The stakeholders group selected for advising about the pedestrian/cycling network to Morrison-Hershfield Consultants of Ottawa have presented a draft cycle network and policy framework for discussion in February this year.  The members of this group include a housewife/mom who cycles everywhere,  a businessman/cyclist , a lady cyclist from the HPEd Health Unit, and myself, a retired teacher/cyclist.  We have met a few times with M-H to refine and discuss the constraints in this network and so far a tentative plan is evolving.  A few of the main constraints are the East-West connection along Dundas Street as part of the Trans Canada Trail,  a potential  401 underpass east of Hwy 37 in the Industrial Park to connect to the proposed 50 km South Hastings Trail (which recently received the $50K Molson's Cheer Grant) leading to Tweed.  Within the City limits, College Street East and West is a challenge, and a connection along Bridge Street West is needed for Loyalist College.  Our draft network is shown on the attached map.  We are keen on getting feedback and support from cyclists, pedestrians and transit riders.

Proposed Cycling Network for Belleville 2011 on

CYCLING MASTER PLAN AND POLICIES Dec 2011

CYCLING MASTER PLAN AND POLICIES

DECEMBER 2011

The Belleville Cyclist Advisory Group recommends that The Transportation Master Plan for the City of Belleville City consider the following recommendations to ensure a tranportation system that accommodates alternate non motorized modes of transportation and to advise The City on how to prepare designs and policies with the details to extend and connect up all areas of our city to the existing trails network and develop future infrastructure for cyclists, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

1. About Belleville Cyclist Advisory Group:

The Belleville Cyclist Advisory Group (BCAG) is a citizens cycling advocacy group encompassing the City Of Belleville and surrounding municipalities, with a particular focus on the bicycle and non motorized modes of transportation as a means of transport and recreation. Our primary goal is to encourage the improvement of local infrastructure for the safety and convenience of all potential cyclists so that more people will cycle to school, work, and for recreation.

2.Why Promote Cycling?

Few people would disagree that active commuting across the City of Belleville has become increasingly difficult and more stressful. Rapid urban growth, with increased residential development in close proximity to highway #401 together with congested roadways have made navigating this City difficult for cyclists and pedestrians alike. In spite of many kilometers of off road trails locally, since we live in   a culture dominated by cars, most people continue to use their personal vehicles instead of using public transportation, or cycling and walking,  consequently increasing traffic volume, pollution and environmental stress.

Obvious truths are:

1. Even though cycling is environmentally friendly, the use of bicycles is miniscule in comparison with other forms modes of transportation.    Between 1977 and 1995 there was a 37% decline in the number of cycling and walking trips among children ages 5 to 15 years for example.

2. More bicycles and fewer car trips lead to less greenhouse gas emissions, reduced air and noise pollution.

3. Cycling is a form of physical activity that promotes a healthy active lifestyle but still many youth and adults are choosing not to cycle because they believe it is too challenging or unsafe.
   
   
4. Land-use and transportaion planning that emphasizes motor vehicle travel over other active forms of transportation (walking, running, cycling, etc) encourages a sedentary lifestyle which is associated with chronic conditions such as diabetis, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.

5. Cycling is socially inclusive – Bicycles are relatively affordable which means cycling is open to virtually anyone; including many disabled people and people living on a lower income.

6. Cyclists are not cut off from their surroundings by a metal enclosure as in an automobile, and they interact more with people along the route while walking or cycling.

7. Improved numbers of cyclists on the streets can also improve people’s perception of security and create a ‘virtuous circle’ as more people are encouraged to leave their cars at home.

8. Cycling is fun: as a sport and a pure leisure activity, cycling gives enjoyment and employment to millions of people in the world.

The Hon. James Bradley of the Ontario government announced in September 2009 his intention to support an integrated plan of public transport, cycling and pedestrian inclusivity and has initiated the policies and financial incentives to achieve the infrastructure to do this.

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has stated that “improved cycling infrastructure” ie creating safe, connected routes with dedicated cycle lanes “is essential to reducing injury and also lowering that barrier that safety concerns plays in dissuading people who might otherwise consider bicyle trips”

While the OMA has called for a comprehensive provincial policy to support safer infrastructure for cycling, they suggest that municipal governments should enhance their efforts to create a safe and supportative environment for cyclists.

3. Objectives:

Our primary objective is simply to improve the physical infrastructure in the City of Belleville for non-motorized modes of transportation in order to encourage people to take up cycling, particularly groups such as school children, adult commuters, and families. We aim to:

1. Promote the development of a system of trails and dedicated roadway lanes providing easy access to major destinations, work places, recreation facilities, schools, colleges, existing trails , adjacent municipalities and the Trans-Canada Trail.

2. Be involved in improving cycle safety by collaborating with City police, driver education, and the local school boards and service clubs.

3. Improve facilities for bicyle storage and security both in the public realm and at workplaces and schools.

4. Ensure that the needs of cycling and pedestrians are integrated into transportation policies in order to ensure an equitable approach to infrastructure funding .

4. Recommendations:

1. Create a network of bicycle lanes or signed streets and pathways throughout the City as indicated in the Cycling Master Plan Map of Belleville. (Addendum II Map)

2. Incorporate the Cycling Wish List of New Trails and Bridge Connections for future construction. See Addendum I on page 4 below.

3. Make improvements to neighborhood streets to ensure they are more suitable and safer to use for all users: pedestrians, wheelchairs, cyclists, motorized scooters, transit services, and automobiles.

4. Include strategies to reduce auto traffic speeds and improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety and pedestrian circulation such as sidewalk widening, speed humps, and bicycle signage.

5. New or improved pedestrian and cycling safety measures such as ladder crosswalks and pedestrian signals at busy intersections such as Bridge Street at Pinnacle, Bell Boulevard leading to Lemoine St and then on to the Quinte Mall.

6. Attract support for bicycle outreach and education programs through local collaborative partnerships with community agencies;  the promotion of cycling safety and security by collaborating with the City Police, the Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit and School Boards, and local service clubs to educate cyclists, pedestrians and motorists driver education.

7. Promote health and physical fitness while cycling, running, and walking many times per week.

5.Co-ordination and Enabling:

The Belleville Cyclists Advisory Group will provide a Belleville area map and street descriptions of the Cycling Master Plan recommended by many experienced cycling citizens.

Addendum I : A Cycling Wish List of New Trails and Bridge Connections.

Addendum II : Attachment of a 11 x 17 map with desired cycling lanes highlighted.

The consultants presumably will list planning details, specific cost estimates, and provide a prioritization of the order in which the Bicycle Route suggestions may be implemented.

We, the Belleville Cyclist Advisory Group (BCAG) offer to play a key role in the development and details of the CYCLING Master Plan. We have performed considerable preliminary work and have considerable experience of cycling in Belleville through cycling clubs and individuals' experience over many years. We strongly suggest that the time is right in 2012 to implement this plan.

Members of the BCAG steering committee On November 24th of 2011:

Dave Smith as Coordinator, 45 South John St. Belleville, 613 966 3028

Jim Arkilander, Albion Court

John DeSalis, John St, Belleville

Don Holoway, Old Kingston Road

Dr Syed Haider, Pine Street

Robert Jakes, Stone Bridge Court

Andrew Malcomson, George St.

Tamara Best, Corbyville

Bryce Brophy, Loyalist College Journalism student

Councillor Tom Laverty was present for most of our meeting in the MacKenzie Bowell Room.

BCAG On December of 2009:

Dave Smith as Coordinator, 45 South John St. Belleville, 613 966 3028

Jim Arkilander, Judy Bell, Mike Hall, Jim Moher, and Gordon Smith

Addendum I

BELLEVILLE CYCLING ADVISORY GROUP

CYCLING WISH LIST OF NEW TRAILS and BRIDGE CONNECTIONS:

The following list of Infrastructure Items are assumed to be in excess of $100,000 or more each.

Consequently we acknowledge that considerable planning detail and study will precede this and yet we wish to see these included for reasons of cycling safety, integration with outside trails such as Cross Canada Trail, and access for large regions above the Hwy 401 or west and east of the City of Belleville along Hwy 2.

1. Underpass below the 401 at the Moira River and Highway 401 and a Trail north to Corbyville.

2. Dundas Street East Trail on shoulder of Highway 2 from MacDonald to Old Kingston Rd.
   
   
3. A trail from Keegan Parkway at Herchimer eastward along the Bay of Quinte over to Farley St.
   
   
4. Bridge Street West Trail from Sidney St out to Loyalist College and new bridge over a small creek.

5. Bridge over the Moira River connecting Zwicks Island Trail to Kiwanis Bayshore Trail.

6. A short Sidney St Trail from Leland Drive to Duff Park and hence enter Zwicks Island Trails

7. A Sidney Street Bridge lane over highway 401 to Maitland Drive Trail and further north.

8. Morris Whitney Bridge cycling lanes to Prince Edward County.

Addendum II

Large Map of Belleville Area Streets with Highlighted Lanes/Trails

City Hall Meeting Thursday Nov 24th 6.30 pm

Great news everyone !

Consultants Morrison Hershfield from Ottawa have asked BCAG to give them specifics of what cycling infrastructure is desirable for the Belleville area. They have formed a Stakeholders Advisory team to get information to input into the Master Transportation Plan for this region.

Hence I invite cyclists who are interested in giving their views to join with me at City Hall, Thursday Nov 24th at 6.30 pm in the MacKenzie Bowel Room. I have sent an agenda and discussion process out to the many cyclists on my email list to prepare for a positive meeting.

See you there if you can make it.