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Some years ago I produced the following short policy on bicycling.

My major concern is for the safety of bicyclists.

When the buses are removed from Albert and Slater streets the opportunity for bicycles in the downtown is evident.  However, separate bus lanes does not stop vehicles in conflict with bicycles involving right and left turns where it may be necessary to use traffic lights specifically designed for bicycles, similar to automobiles left turn arrows.

I don't have any problems with most of your initiatives but bridges at this time are out of the question and keeping bike lanes open in winter is a non starter.  

I am not in favour of financially expensive cycling promotion campaigns as my following proposals will make this expenditure needless.

Haydon's Short Policy

The concept of bicycles being an alternative transportation means on arterial roads is fraught with danger.  It, as well, flies in the face of common sense.  The Province of Ontario has recognized this fact and prohibits bicycles on their freeways.  In Ottawa, we not only allow bicycles on our similar arterials, but design bicycle path on the travel portion of the road.  - On roads that are similar if not identical to those of the Province - such as Hunt Club. 

Prince of Wales Drive has a bicycle section almost in the middle of the traveled portion of the road.  Driving this road as often as I do I have very seldom seen a bicycle using these specified lanes and the reason is: no one in their right mind would do so as you would be imperiling both yourself and your children. It is too dangerous.

Where we want to go is to have a separate system of bicycle paths integrated with those of the NCC to provide access for bicycle traffic.  The City of Nepean in its day provided a bicycle parallel with but separate from Greenbank Road.  

The City of Ottawa's policy should simply be:

• separate bicycle paths
• a prohibition of bicycles on arterial roads
• bicycles can travel freely on all non-arterials.
• Almost all arterials can accommodate a separated bike lane and this is the way to go.

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