CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2008

YORK ROOM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE

 

MINUTES

 

ATTENDANCE

 

Committee:

Dwight Richardson, Chair

David Rawcliffe

Gerald Corbett

Sandra McEleney, Vice-Chair

Marcia Guthenberg

Councillor Erin Shapero

 

Agency Members:

Lindsay Rosien, York Region Health Services

Monica Goodfellow, York Region Health Services

Megan Johnson, School Traffic Planner, York Catholic District School Board

 

Regrets:

Carole Robertson, Accessibility Representative

Christopher Sauer, MEAC Representative

Rachael Woodroffe

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

 

Staff:

Lorenzo Mele, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator

Nancy Letman, Recreation Supervisor, Armadale

Judy Kee, Committee Clerk

 

 

The Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee convened at the hour of 7:05 p.m. with Mr. Dwight Richardson in the Chair.

 

 

WELCOME

 

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, including all new members attending for the first time, and asked that all members around the table introduce themselves.

 

 

 

1.         MINUTES OF THE CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY

            COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MAY 8, 2008

 

Mr. Lorenzo Mele, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator, noted that Members at the last meeting had requested staff to report back on the acronyms referenced on the stats sheet from York Region Police, and provided the following information:

 

MVC’s – Motor Vehicle Collisions

MVC-F – Fatality

MVC-PD – Property Damage

MVC-PI – Personal Injury

MVC-FTR – Failure to Remain

MVC-HR – Hit and Run

 

Committee had also requested staff to investigate the defined boundaries of York Region Police – District 5, and Mr. Mele advised that District 5 is bounded by Steeles Avenue; Aurora Road; York-Durham Line; and Highway 404. 

 

It was noted that Thornhill is not included in District 5, and Mr. Mele advised that it is part of District 2, and he would follow up with York Region Police to also receive pedestrian and cycling related crash statistics of the Thornhill area in future.

 

Mr. Mele advised that the minutes should be amended to include “and twenty (20)”, as follows, which is in the 4th paragraph of Page 3, under the heading “Bikefest 2008 – June 8”:

 

“Notices will go out to the community to encourage residents to participate in the five (5) *and twenty (20) kilometer rides along Markham’s bike network; view safety demonstrations; and enjoy food and entertainment.”

 

Moved by Sandra McEleney

Seconded by Gerald Corbett

 

That the minutes of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting held on May 8, 2008 be adopted, as amended.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

 

Members discussed the continued meeting absenteeism of two members of Committee, and the Clerk advised Town policy directs that:

 

“if a member is absent without good reason or prior acknowledgement from meetings of the Committee for three consecutive meetings or five meetings in any one year, the Committee may pass a resolution requesting that Council declare the position vacant and ask for a replacement member”

 

 

Members noted that it is important that the Committee be composed of members that are actively able and willing to serve the Community, and agreed that the two positions be declared vacant.

The Committee Clerk was requested to draft a letter for the review of the Chair and Councillor Shapero.

 

Moved by S. McEleney

Seconded by David Rawcliffe

 

That the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee request Council to declare two (2) positions on CPAC vacant, and request staff to take the necessary steps to advise the incumbents and advertise for replacement members.

CARRIED

 

 

3.         EVENTS AND PROGRAM UPDATE

 

CAN-BIKE 2008

 

Mr. Mele reported on the success of the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival, which was held on Saturday, May 31st at the York Region Community Safety Village at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area.  Thirty-two (32) children attended and learned about safe cycling skills during a fun-filled day of activities.  A second event was held on June 11-12 at the Ellen Fairclough Public School, and approximately one hundred and fifty (150) children attended.  It was noted that staff would like to conduct more events, but budget and manpower is limited.

 

Twenty-five (25) people participated in the CAN-BIKE Safety Course during the summer for children and adults, which was held through Markham’s Recreation Department.  There was some concern expressed regarding persons riding bicycles on sidewalks, and it was noted that the Town has a by-law that addresses this, (By-law #106-71 – The Traffic By-law), and relates to wheel size.  It was noted that there had been a recent article in the Toronto Star regarding this matter and Marcia Guthenberg advised that she will forward it to the Clerk for distribution to members of Committee.  Committee suggested that this aspect of cycling be added to the CAN-BIKE safety program in future.

 

There was some discussion regarding the placement of bike lanes when roads are widened, and staff advised that the Cycling Master Plan recommends that bike lanes be on-road rather than on the shoulder.

 

 

June 8 - Bikefest 2008

 

Mr. Mele reported that the Second Annual Markham Bikefest had been held on Sunday, June 8th, in conjunction with the Unionville Village Festival.  It had been a free, family event, and over one hundred and twenty (120) people had attended.  The event had featured 5 km and 20 km rides along Markham’s Bike Network, starting at the Varley Art Gallery parking lot.  The Vice-Chair thanked all members of Committee and staff for their assistance in providing a great event.

 

 

 

 

Members discussed the event, and made the following comments and suggestions for next year’s event:

  • a great event; weather was very hot that day
  • 5, 10 or 25 km rides could be held next year
  • event this year began at 10 a.m.; perhaps next year event could begin earlier
  • 5 km event was good for families with young children
  • police escorts, on bicycles, should be available for all rides; or pay-duty officers
  • concern that people did not stop for the stop signs; more volunteers would be helpful to assist bikes at such locations
  • change route next time to eliminate hill
  • signing of waivers process should be reviewed and tightened up; children entering without parental consent a concern
  • either encourage or make mandatory the wearing of helmets
  • attendance may have been less because of other similar events in the GTA
  • two-way radios would be helpful
  • there should be more advance publicity for the event, including notices to schools and promotion on the local Rogers Cable TV; bicycle safety should be emphasized
  • also contact CBC, which has just opened a 905 office in Markham
  • appreciation expressed to D’Ornellas Cycling Club for their assistance at the event
  • water bottle holders should be mandatory; some mountain bikes don’t have them
  • set up water stations along route; concern with heat stroke
  • numbered race “bibs” or “wristbands” should be given to all persons upon registration for identification
  • set up a marshalling area
  • future events could include a local farm tour along the bike route; support local food procurement
  • would the event in future also be in conjunction with the Unionville Village Festival?
  • there should be a goal and target groups; to raise awareness about cycling
  • Committee to prepare a 2009 Business Plan
  • more work should be done with the schools; Town’s Corporate Communications staff may be able to assist; also members of the Mayor’s Youth Task Force
  • the Vice-Chair will forward other suggestions to the Clerk to include in the minutes (See attached Appendix A); (Also Appendix B from Gerald Corbett)

 

 

August 10 – First Giro de Markham

 

Mr. Mele reported that CPAC had sponsored the First Giro De Markham Bike Race, which had been held on Sunday, August 10th at the Delta Markham, on Valhalla Drive.  The event involved multiple laps on a two km course along Cochrane Drive, and cyclists of various ages attended, along with the D’Ornellas Cycling Club Racing Team.

 

Committee discussed the event, noting that it was held in an excellent location, and it could become an annual event that could also include safety and education sessions, and various exhibitors.  Staff was directed to advise the organizers that the Committee would be interested in participating and being one of the sponsors next year.

 

 

Granite Anvil 1200 km

 

Mr. Mele advised that the Randonneurs Ontario cycling club held an event August 6-9 this year, entitled the “Granite Anvil 1200”, which in future could be an event CPAC may wish to be involved with, as it would draw media attention.  The 1200 km ride started in Markham and covered a large part of Southern Ontario, including Orillia, Bancroft and Napanee over the four-day period. 

 

Members briefly discussed the feasibility of various events, including: combining this event with the D’Ornellas Giro event; having a bike-fest week-end; holding an event in conjunction with Bike Week; or again an event during the Unionville Village Festival week-end.  It was noted that these events require road closures, and the “driving” public is not always in support of “sharing the road”.

 

It was agreed that a sub-committee should be established with staff to work towards potential events for 2009.

 

 

4.         CYCLING NETWORK ENGINEERING STANDARDS

 

Mr. Mele circulated, for information, a copy of the Town’s “Engineering Standard Design Roadways (MR) Draft 1”, dated July 9, 2008, which includes standards for accommodating cyclists and pedestrians.

 

 

5.         SPECIAL PROJECTS

 

CPAC Input – Traffic Calming Measures

 

There was considerable discussion regarding recent traffic calming measures that the Town has implemented on Royal Orchard Blvd. in Thornhill and Carlton Road and Village Parkway in Unionville.  It was noted that there has been a negative impact on safety for cycling on these roads, and many complaints have been made by residents on this and traffic flow in general.

 

Concern was expressed that CPAC had not been informed of these traffic calming projects prior to their installation.  The Chair noted, however, that a Traffic Calming Working Group has since been established by the Town to review the measures taken on Carlton and Village Parkway, and the Group is comprised of residents, staff and the Ward 3 Councillor.  One meeting has been held, and the next meeting is scheduled for October 23rd.

 

Members expressed the following concerns relating to the traffic calming measures implemented:

  • final detailed design was not presented to the residents
  • whole process, including notification, was flawed
  • white and yellow lines are the worst problem; causing traffic to zigzag
  • yellow “balloon” lines at intersections are confusing
  • road is not safe to walk across when members of local car club use road
  • not enough space for cyclists
  • buses are crossing over solid lines

 

 

  • generally the whole project was a case of mis-communication
  • “share the road” signs are being installed by Town staff
  • fear that someone will get hurt on these roads
  • there should be police enforcement at intersection of Village Parkway and Carlton Road, however, it was noted that police enforcement has previously been irregular, due to time and manpower restraints
  • education, enforcement and engineering = three ways to improve speeding

 

Staff was requested to provide statistics relating to the number of times that York Regional Police have been in the community monitoring speeding and other offences.

 

Mr. Mele advised that, in future, members of CPAC will be consulted when proposals are being put forward by staff to implement traffic calming measures within the Town.

 

 

Roundabouts (Traffic Circles)

 

The Chair advised that staff are considering the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Rodick Road and Macrill, (between 16th Avenue and Woodbine), as an alternative solution to traffic calming.  Mr. Mele presented four (4) lane reconfiguration options for the project, and Committee discussed alternatives that would include bicycle lanes.  Comments included:

·        the need for sufficient property to install bicycle lanes

·        public meeting held with local residents determined that the majority want stop lights

·        losing a lane will cause congestion

·        widen sidewalks proposed and reduce brickwork to make room for a bicycle lane

·        remove sidewalk totally and install a bicycle path

·        a separate bike path beside sidewalk, separated by a strip of grass

·        in response to reducing the size of the roundabout circle, staff advised that the current size must remain for safety reasons

·        is speed or congestion the main concern? what are peak hours for speeding?

 

It was suggested that staff consult with communities in Europe and Britain, as they have been dealing with such situations for many years, and one suggestion was to contact the municipality of Milton Keynes, UK.  Following some additional discussion, Mr. Mele noted that he would advise traffic & engineering staff that the members of CPAC generally agree that it is unrealistic to expect cyclists to dismount and cross the roundabout, and will also request that they investigate the European experience respecting roundabouts.

 

Mr. Mele advised that he will report back at the next meeting on questions raised this date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hwy 7 – Council Resolution

 

Mr. Mele advised that a resolution has been passed recently at Council with respect to Highway 7 Transitway and the 4 lane verses 6 lane widening, and that the Region of York has been requested to incorporate segregated bicycle lanes within the right-of-way from the property line to the curb.

 

 

6.         NETWORK IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE

 

Major Mackenzie Drive and Donald Cousens Parkway – Trail System

 

Mr. Mele provided an update on the status of the off-road multi-use path from Highway 48, along Major Mackenzie Drive and south along Donald Cousens Parkway to Highway 407.

 

 

Milne Park Multi-Use Path – Options to Consider

 

Mr. Mele provided an update on the off-road multi-use pathway proposed through Milne Park Conservation area from McCowan Road to Markham Road.  Members were advised that some objections have been received, and the local Ward Councillor is working with the local residents to resolve the concerns. 

 

Four design options for the pathway locations currently being considered by the Town were presented, and Committee raised the following matters:

·        type of pathway material to be used: mowed grass; wood chips; or crushed gravel

·        some material would be difficult for wheelchairs and bikes to travel on

·        objections of area residents; some residents treat public land as their own

·        Toronto and Region Conservation Area owns Milne Park; Town requires their approval

·        it is an environmentally sensitive area

·        area has not been mapped or signed

·        future plan is to connect Main Street Markham with Main Street Unionville, and the Rouge Park Alliance is in support of this

 

Staff will be making a presentation to Markham’s Development Services Committee on October 21st regarding the Milne Park Pathway Development review.  In addition, the Town will be holding an Open House on October 29th at the Markham Village Library to provide an opportunity for residents to review the design options and provide input.  Members of Committee were encouraged to attend.

 

 

Cycling Pathways and Trails Master Plans and 2008/09 Capital Program

 

Deferred to the next meeting.

 

 

 

 

7.         NEW BUSINESS

 

Toogood Pond Bridge – Members were advised that a resident had reported that they had been cycling across the Toogood Pond Bridge recently and had lost control because the bridge was quite slick and treacherous.  There does not appear to be any grit or clay on the bridge, and staff was requested to look into this concern.

 

 

8.         DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

Members agreed that since there are a number of matters that require further discussion, a meeting of Committee should be held in November.  Following some discussion, it was agreed that the next meeting would be scheduled for:

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE YORK ROOM

 

Potential items for the Agenda would include:

 

  • 2009 Business Plan
  • Gaps in Sidewalks
  • Toogood Pond Bridge

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

 

 

Attachments:     Appendix A – S. McEleney’s Notes on Bikefest

                        Appendix B – G. Corbett’s Notes on Bikefest

 

 

APPENDIX A – BIKEFEST 2008 – Notes From Sandra McEleney

 

Worked Well:

 

  1. Partnering with Unionville Festival
  2. Turnout of participants
  3. Option of having two routes
  4. Police escort
  5. Volunteers (effective for a small number)
  6. Give-aways
  7. Wide range of ages and abilities where cyclists were concerned
  8. Map of routes were clear and easy to read

 

Areas to Focus:

 

  1. More volunteers on routes, set up and sign in
  2. Pylons and directional signs set up the day before
  3. Water station at half-way on 20k route
  4. Go back to the old 5k running route as it’s flatter & off Carleton
  5. Have water on ice as heat was a factor
  6. Don’t try to fill the bottles prior to race as sign-in is busy but after, yes
  7. Once the waiver is signed, have a separate person(s) marshal the cyclist to the holding area
  8. Order red jerseys for volunteers and have them available to order or purchase by participants (these can be great promotional jerseys for the program)
  9. At least two volunteers on bikes should have two-way radios in communication with finish line to give updates on numbers, etc.
  10. More advertisements for the event several weeks before it happens
  11. Article on CPAC (editorial) talking about the purpose of the ride (could interview the Mayor or Dwight)
  12. Add a police escort on the 5k
  13. Circulate the promotional material through the schools (Public and Catholic)
  14. Advertise for volunteers through high schools
  15. With the traffic calming measures on Carleton and Village Parkway, the 5k route would not be safe for young cyclists (this may be dealt with by 2009)

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX B – BIKEFEST 2008 – Notes From Jerry Corbett

 

Additional to Sandra’s document:

 

  • Next time we get help from an identifiable group, we should ensure that that group gets an official letter of appreciation from CPAC and/or The Town. Joe Doria’s cycling group was instrumental in keeping things humming on the 20K, and a written thanks seems like an appropriate policy.

 

  • We should push for Police assistance on both routes for next year. Having an officer on the 20K was reassuring to those who did not have much cycling experience on rural routes. The 5K route, although passing through leafy subdivisions, still begs for the obvious “better slow down” knee-jerk reaction a sighted police car gets instantly.

 

 

  • A water station half-way on the 20K was discussed previously in the lead-up to the BikeFest. The day of the event, however, we went with several stops as it was an extraordinarily hot day. Next year we should consider a designated stop area, where a van could be stocked up with refreshments.

 

  • In addition to the proposed editorial/newspaper interview with CPAC, we should consider getting a representative on the local Rogers TV show (The name escapes me) These shows are generally repeated ad infinitum, so more chances to get the word out on an upcoming event.

 

  • The old running 5K route through Carlton was flatter, but there were at least twice as many direction changes. This suits runners much better than cyclists. Part of this route also spends a chunk of time on Village Parkway. At this time Carlton and Village Parkway are both to be avoided at all costs, due to street re-engineering. Things may revert back to original specs, but for now, these streets are not Town Bike Lanes any more.

 

  • Although the partnership with the run was successful, we should still consider new venues, new partnerships, and different timing for future events.

 

Jerry Corbett/CPAC

November 20th, 2008