Ottawa, Canada
I hit the ground running, spending Sunday evening learning about the new master bike plan developed for southern Ontario from two Essex counsillors (who ran a presentation with me the following day). The plan calls for the completion of a bike trail along the Lake Erie shoreline, a welcome amenity for the local community -- and an added benefit for our developing Underground Railroad Bicycle Route Detroit Alternate. Counsillors John Scott and Bill Baker recognize the potential benefits of attracting bike tourism, and the region has much to offer in return: 17 wineries, temperate weather, shoreline vistas, and friendly, rural communities. In order to improve accommodations along the trail, the Essex Council has loosened restrictions governing the opening of bed and breakfasts. They are also planning to promote bike and water events as a draw. John and Bill are a very enthused and empowered duo.
Bixi Bikes in downtown Ottawa
The city itself inspired me with its clearly devoted relationship to bicycling. I was amazed at the number of cyclists I saw throughout Ottawa over the course of my 3-day stay. They came in all shapes and sizes, ages, and on all types of bikes. And now that the city has a Bixi bike share program, bikes are more accessible to both locals and visitors alike, and ridership has clearly increased within the city as a result. To accommodate the increase of riders and bicycle traffic, there are bike lanes throughout the city, and a new, separated cycle track along Laurier Avenue which, scheduled to open in late July, was already in use!
Considering Ottawa's extensive work to promote bicycling and bicycle-friendly conditions, I felt the city deserved some distinction for their efforts.
Since Ontario has recently joined the League of American Bicyclists Bike Friendly Community program, cities within Ontario, like Ottawa can apply for bicycle-friendly recognition and status (platinum, gold, silver, etc.). So it didn't surprise me when conference organizers announced Ottawa had been awarded a silver designation! Congratulations to the Ottawa city staff, cycling advocates and enthusiasts, you certainly impressed me with your growing network and commitment to increased ridership.
During my three days in Ottawa, inspiring speakers and tales of local successes dominated the Ontario Bike Summit. We also learned some stunning statistics concerning the critical health crisis spurred by sedentary lifestyles. I was surprised to learn from Dr. Rodney Tolley of Walk 21 that for every pedestrian or cyclist killed, an estimated 56 people die due to diseases caused by lack of exercise. What an interesting way to frame the concept of safety. Tolley also mentioned the new statistics that signal what he calls, 'Peak Car'. Downward trends in car sales and vehicle miles traveled over the past two years mean that engineering models predicting growth and vehicular congestion need to be re-calibrated. While the suburbs aren't necessarily going away, growth and development is -- the new normal is urbanization, access, and livability. While I've heard all these trends before, it was a good reminder.
The highlight of the conference for me had to be when the Honorable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Transportation (pictured center above) spoke of her commitment to growing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across the province. One of her main goals is the development of Ontario's version of a La Route Verte (or our version of the U.S. Bicycle Route System). So, being the brash American that I am, I asked her for a meeting so we can leverage our efforts and make sure the U.S. Bike Routes (USBR) developing in New York, Ohio, and Michigan match up with the trails and routes yet to be defined for their system. She agreed to the meeting-- to audience applause. I must also give credit for this clever set-up to Eleanor McMahon, CEO of Share the Road Coalition (pictured right above) and chief organizer of the summit. She understood that if the Minister and I were brought together, things would happen.
I later spoke to Michael Canzi of the Ministry of Transportation about the vision and process we use for the U.S. Bicycle Route System, and we are due to have a meeting in the near future. For USBR 20, designated in May and USBR 35 being developed in Michigan, this link into the province will be a great attribute.
Summit aside, no trip is ever complete without a visit with local adventure cyclists. With the help of Angus Brown, long time Adventure Cycling member (pictured right above) and Ottawa City Councillor Rainer Bloess (pictured left), we held a gathering for Adventure Cycling members and other cyclists interested in bicycle travel. It was inspiring to hear about the trips people had made -- to Cuba, France, the Pacific Coast, and more. It was humbling to hear their praise of Adventure Cycling. Most of all, it was fun to connect with people who have a passion for bike travel. I always learn so much from these get-togethers. My kindest regards go out to Angus and Councillor Bloess, without their help, I would never have had the opportunity to meet these wonderful people.
By the way, if you are ever in Ottawa, I strongly encourage you to visit Councillor Bloess at City Hall. Not only is the building a wonderful place to visit, with big, open spaces, a wonderful layout on city grounds and city park across the street, but the Councillor is the king of SWAG (stuff we all get). I came home with no less than seven "Ottawa" t-shirts to present to co-workers and family members. Thanks Councillor, and thank you Ottawa. I'll definitely be back.
Photos by Ginny Sullivan
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BUILDING THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM (USBRS) is posted by Ginny Sullivan, USBRS coordinator at Adventure Cycling, and features news and updates related to the emerging U.S. Bicycle Route System. The USBRS project is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by a task force under the auspices of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Members of the task force include officials and staff from state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration, and nonprofits like the East Coast Greenway Alliance, and Mississippi River Trail, Inc.
Ginny Sullivan, the Honorable Kathleen Wynne, and Eleanor McMahon
The highlight of the conference for me had to be when the Honorable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Transportation (pictured center above) spoke of her commitment to growing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across the province. One of her main goals is the development of Ontario's version of a La Route Verte (or our version of the U.S. Bicycle Route System). So, being the brash American that I am, I asked her for a meeting so we can leverage our efforts and make sure the U.S. Bike Routes (USBR) developing in New York, Ohio, and Michigan match up with the trails and routes yet to be defined for their system. She agreed to the meeting-- to audience applause. I must also give credit for this clever set-up to Eleanor McMahon, CEO of Share the Road Coalition (pictured right above) and chief organizer of the summit. She understood that if the Minister and I were brought together, things would happen.
I later spoke to Michael Canzi of the Ministry of Transportation about the vision and process we use for the U.S. Bicycle Route System, and we are due to have a meeting in the near future. For USBR 20, designated in May and USBR 35 being developed in Michigan, this link into the province will be a great attribute.
Councillor Rainer Bloess, Ginny Sullivan, and Angus Brown
Summit aside, no trip is ever complete without a visit with local adventure cyclists. With the help of Angus Brown, long time Adventure Cycling member (pictured right above) and Ottawa City Councillor Rainer Bloess (pictured left), we held a gathering for Adventure Cycling members and other cyclists interested in bicycle travel. It was inspiring to hear about the trips people had made -- to Cuba, France, the Pacific Coast, and more. It was humbling to hear their praise of Adventure Cycling. Most of all, it was fun to connect with people who have a passion for bike travel. I always learn so much from these get-togethers. My kindest regards go out to Angus and Councillor Bloess, without their help, I would never have had the opportunity to meet these wonderful people.
By the way, if you are ever in Ottawa, I strongly encourage you to visit Councillor Bloess at City Hall. Not only is the building a wonderful place to visit, with big, open spaces, a wonderful layout on city grounds and city park across the street, but the Councillor is the king of SWAG (stuff we all get). I came home with no less than seven "Ottawa" t-shirts to present to co-workers and family members. Thanks Councillor, and thank you Ottawa. I'll definitely be back.
Photos by Ginny Sullivan
---
BUILDING THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM (USBRS) is posted by Ginny Sullivan, USBRS coordinator at Adventure Cycling, and features news and updates related to the emerging U.S. Bicycle Route System. The USBRS project is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by a task force under the auspices of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Members of the task force include officials and staff from state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration, and nonprofits like the East Coast Greenway Alliance, and Mississippi River Trail, Inc.
Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2011/07/report-from-ottawa-and-ontario-bike.html
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