I would say that while any extension of the paved surface
is a good one a full (2 m to 2.5 m) paved shoulder is better.
Paved shoulders should be continuos where possible.
It should be clear that paved shoulders are not bike lanes.
They are not the same. Bike lanes differ from shoulders in
that they must be continuous, must have and entrance and exit
point and must be to the left of any right turn lane.
Provincial cyclists information must be improved. Cyclists and
motorists must be educated on the correct use of paved shoulders
and bike lanes. For example:
- cyclists should not use paved shoulders near intersections or
frequently turning traffic.
- cyclists should know how to make a vehicle style left turn
and how to exit the bike lane before doing one.
All cyclists information must be designed in keeping with
CAN-BIKE standards and training.
I also would stress that policy restrict the use of rumble strips
to expressways (400 series).
Peter McNichol
Kanata (Ottawa), Ontario
CAN-BIKE Instructor
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> Hi, Mr. Clark,
>
> Thank you for your letter of the 4th that arrived today.
>
> I am glad that current standards for King's Highways include 50 cm of
> paved shoulder, and that you put this in whenever practical, and that
> shoulders are fully (I don't quite know what this means) paved
> whenever there are 3 lanes or more, or sidewalks.
>
> I am reassured that our highways will improve when road work is done.
>
> Personally, I don't have any concerns so far with rumble strips. I
> think they do help to keep drivers awake on rural freeways.
>
> I would like you, and your compatriot, Tim Hudac, minister of
> tourism, to consider how you can make our highways even safer and
> more inviting for cyclists in Ontario, and from the US, Europe, and
> places further away.
>
> I think several measures can be taken:
>
> 1. Highway standards should mandate a full metre (100 cm) of paved
> shoulder for King's Highways, and all paved rural roads in Ontario
> where traffic is more than light. 50 cm allows 0cm clearance when
> cyclists and trucks all try to share the same width. It seems even
> more crowded when this small paved width acquires loose stones that
> throw the rider back & forth a bit.
>
> 2. Roads should be brought up to this standard as road work is done,
> or sooner if there is considerable traffic. Wide trucks not only
> stress roads, they crowd cyclists, which can lead to injuries or
> deaths. Hostile, impolite or bad motorists are also a constant
> hazard. Having a wider shoulder makes cyclists safer and motorists
> happier.
>
> 3. Critical roads, those that are the shortest or the only roads
> between 2 points, should be targeted first for wider paved shoulders.
>
> 4. The tourism office should look into promoting bicycle tourism
> around Ontario. The state governments of Illinois, Wisconsin,
> Washington, North Carolina, Tennessee, New Jersey, Minnesota, and
> probably others have maps specially for bicyclists.
> Bicycle maps identify
> - low-traffic routes
> - paved roads vs unpaved
> - elevations or elevation contour lines (hills make a difference)
> - special bike trails
> - camping & B&B facilities
> and are usually more detailed, as bicycle tourists usually travel
> only 50-120 km/day. Several would be needed to cover all of Ontario.
>
> Recommended bike routes could be provided by web sites in visual,
> and/or in data form suitable for downloading to a GPS device.
>
> Recommended bike routes could also be indicated by signposts, as
> Quebec does.
>
> Bicyclists avoid creating the smog of cars or buses. They travel for
> more days per trip, and usually have higher disposable incomes than
> most tourists. Toronto, Ottawa and some other cities are very cyclist-
> friendly, and act as a magnet for cyclists.
>
> You have opportunities here to save lives and to encourage visitors
> to enjoy Ontario. Please encourage cyclists by making Ontario a safe
> and welcoming destination and home for cyclists.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Tom Trottier
>
> ------- http://members.home.net/tomatrottier
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ:57647974
> +1 613 291-1168 fax:+1 613 594-5412
> 415-400 Slater St. Ottawa ON Canada K1R 7S7
> ,__o Much Madness is divinest Sense
> _-\_<, To a discerning Eye
> (*)/'(*) Much Sense--the starkest Madness.
> -Emily Dickinson, poet (1830-1886)
>
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