Citizens for Safe Cycling sent the following letter to the City of Ottawa on December 20 about the importance of supporting cycling on the new Osgoode trail:

Citizens for Safe Cycling (CfSC) views the upgraded pathway in the former rail corridor from Osgoode Village to Leitrim Road as an important connector for recreational and commuter cyclists. We expect that it will be popular with cyclists when there is little or no snow, as are other such paths within the city.

We recommend that the following conditions be met to improve safety:

1. Motor vehicles

During the cycling season, it is important that there be no motor vehicles on the trail, and that cyclists can be sure of this. This includes includes cars, ATVs and motorbikes.  This will require gates that restrict access to such vehicles, clear signage explaining the resulting fines, and policing.

2. Crossings

The crossings of the trail with roads should be properly signed.  By inspecting maps, we understand the path intersects with the following minor roads: High, Earl Armstrong Rideau, Gough, Doyle, Snake Island, Cabin, Reids and Osgoode Main.  These will require proper signage and pavement markings.

Faster and busier roads include Bowesville, Mitch Owens and Manotick Station.  Given the speed and density of traffic, we suggest that the city investigate pedestrian/cyclist-actuated traffic signals at these intersections with major roads.

We feel that proposed path will be valuable to local and visiting cyclists if the above concerns can be addressed. It will be even more valuable if it is connected with other paths.

  – Alex deVries, on behalf of the board of Citizens for Safe Cycling

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