CfSC Policy: Mixed-Use Pathways

Citizens for Safe Cycling (CfSC) notes that the pathway network in the National Capital Region continues to be extended, and that more links are being established between adjacent municipalities. CfSC also notes that the pathways are heavily used by both tourists and area residents, and therefore supports the continued presence and upgrading of the pathways. Notwithstanding the heavy use of the pathway network, the majority of cycle journeys will be made on the ordinary road network. For this reason the safety and suitability of the road network for cyclists must continue to be of paramount importance.

CfSC considers that the title "Recreational Path" is inappropriate because the pathway network is also heavily used, as an alternative to the road network, by commuting cyclists and by other cyclists undertaking non-recreational journeys. The title "Mixed-Use Pathway" more accurately represents the typical usage of the paths by all classes of cyclists and pedestrians.

The current pathway network, however, has a number of hazardous conditions and design faults which create unnecessary danger and inconvenience for pathway users. There are several causes for these deficiencies:

 

1. Most of the pathways are too narrow to be safe for even moderate traffic levels, particularly because the different classes of users travel at significantly different speeds.
2. There are numerous intersections and blind or tight corners where the sight distances and braking distances are inadequate.
3. At many pathway/road intersections there are curbs that are as much as 200 mm high. These curbs are unnecessary, and are both dangerous and inconvenient.
4. Design details, such as intersections, signs and pathway markings, are treated differently by the various jurisdictions responsible for the pathways. This leads to confusion for pathway users.
5. The standard of maintenance is inadequate; subsidence/heaving, tree-root damage and cracks are not properly repaired, and consequently a safe riding surface is not maintained.
6. Many of the pathway users do not obey traffic rules, and hence put themselves and others at risk by their unpredictable actions.

The following action is required:

1. Recognize the needs of both recreational and non-recreational pathway users.
2. Review the existing network to eliminate hazards such as blind spots, sharp turns and curbs at intersections.
3. Establish on-going maintenance programs.
4. Formulate a consistent design approach, based on recognized standards, that will be followed by all jurisdictions responsible for the pathways.
5. Increase the capacity of busy pathways by widening and/or by separating different traffic flows.
6. Apply proper and consistent design methods to pathway/road intersections so that the right of way is clearly allocated.
7. Install cycle-activated traffic lights at busy or dangerous intersections that can be operated safely without dismounting.
8. Install adequate warning and directional signs throughout the network.
9. Implement educational programs for pathway users.
10. Introduce pathway regulations that are applicable to all users, and then provide the necessary enforcement.

- END -

Approved by the CfSC Board, 1989

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