Hurontario-Main cycling integration

The Hurontario-Main Street Study gives more than a casual nod of the head to recognize the role of cycling in its multi-modal goals.  At the end of March 2010 the findings of the Study will be presented to the public. A corporate report from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works states clearly that we should not expect a continuous end-to-end cycling corridor. However, it also explicitly states that cyclists should be accommodated and integrating with the cycling network is a priority.

Excerpt from “Cycling” section of the Hurontario-Main Street Study Status Update Report, Feb 4, 2010:

In addition to the Study recommendation for implementing LRT technology, a key issue has been the extent of cycling amenities and integration proposed for this corridor. It is recognized that access to the rapid transit system and our Urban Growth Centre primary roadway should accommodate cyclists and that developing connections between the Hurontario corridor and the adjacent cycling network is a priority. An issue has been the extent and nature of continuous cycling lanes within the corridor itself, especially in areas with limited right-of-way, costly structure expansion requirements, potential conflicts with trafñc, on-street parking and high pedestrian transit volumes. For these reasons, and given plans for the development of key parallel cycling facilities, the study is not recommending the provision of a continuous cycling corridor on the entire Hurontarìo corridor, but supports the development of significant segments. Where on-road facilities are planned, special attention should be paid to balancing safety and mobility. Consideration should be given to curb separated facilities if feasible.

MCAC has not received any preliminary notices on the cycling details. We may need to wait until the end of March 2010 as everyone else.  Here are some topics to consider:  

• I have cycled on portions of Hurontario not because it is safe, but merely because it was a direct path to where I needed to be. Cyclists may not need a bicycle freeway running start to finish, but there are key areas such as crossing the QEW and getting to downtown that should be built up strong for cycling.
• The Study wants to bring life to business and retail in sections of Hurontario. Since success of these businesses depend on people spontaneously “popping in”, these areas should ensure cycling lanes and bike parking are available.
• If people may not cycle all the way up or down the corridor, the transit system (LRT) should make allowances for bikes on-board the LRT and have safe bike parking facilities a key stops. I would love to cycle across town to Hurontario and then take an LRT to the GO Station when I must travel to Toronto.
• For sections that cannot hold dedicated cycling lanes, at least make sure a parallel route is within a block of the corridor. Experienced cyclists don’t go hundreds of metres out of their way just because a bike lane ends. Planners may find both safety and mobility are at risk as a cyclist “takes the lane” as the designated bike lane ends.

Public Information Centres

The first Public Information Centre (PIC) was held in June 2008, and provided background information on the study. The second PIC was held in June 2009, and provided an assessment of potential rapid transit alignment options and station stops as well as planning policies and standards.

The third PIC will be held in both Brampton and Mississauga at the end of March, 2010 and will present study findings and recommendations.  Please join us at one of the following locations:

Brampton
Tuesday, March 30
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
City Hall Atrium
2 Wellington Street West

Mississauga
Wednesday, March 31
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Mississauga Civic Centre, Great Hall
200 City Centre Drive

Check them out on the web at www.hurontario-main.ca or on their “Hurontario / Main Street Study” Page on Facebook, where you can view photos, join a discussion board and post comments. They also welcome e-mail inquiries, which can be sent to: inquiries@hurontario-main.ca.

MIRANET also gives a good overview of the Hurontario-Main study’s progress.