On your bike

County looks to become an official cycling destination

The Cycling Master Plan, the first of its kind in Prince Edward County, was unveiled last week by WSP, the consulting firm brought on board to look at ways to bring cycling improvements to the County. The idea is to make the County more cyclingfriendly to residents and visitors alike, and especially to bring more visitors to the County in the off-season for cycling. Options revealed included paving road shoulders, road markings and signage and reduced speed limits. The large price tag of $20 million covers about 60 kilometres of County roads, with the bulk of the spend ($19.3 million) going to paved shoulders. The Cycling Master Plan (CMP), worked on over the last year, includes input from County staff, stakeholders, council and members of the public. Eighty-two people completed a public survey, 44 (54 per cent) of those were local residents. In addition to the survey, two public information centres took place, 1,600 site visits were undertaken, and comments were received and considered throughout the entire process.

WSP’s Shawn Smith describes the CMP as a “flexible policy document that serves as a blueprint to achieve the County’s cycling goals and identifies actionable and realistic tools and recommendations.” He said it is a guide to help inform future decision-making and investments in cycling. “It lays the foundation to implement cycling infrastructure, establish supportive policies and identify meaningful programs to improve the cycling experience in Prince Edward County.” Smith said a cycling network improves the rural quality of life and provides viable and equitable transportation options for all residents. “Adapting to climate change, it increases cycling among residents for everyday trips, reduces emissions and reliance on vehicles and is supportive of the County’s climate emergency declaration.”

In a detailed presentation made to council on May 25, Smith provided an explanation of the process used where he highlighted six key recommendations, citing the Millennium Trail as the spine and the focus of the network. The refined cycling network plan includes 17 signature infrastructure projects that provide a wide range of prioritized cycling opportunities recommended in the shorter term over the next 10 years Also suggested are longer term projects for future consideration. In terms of continuous routes, there is enhanced focus on connectivity and safety, especially near major trip generators and the Millennium Trail. “In terms of better access to destinations, we put in a series of ‘quick wins’ around the urban centres using pavement markings and signage.” The implementation of trail amenities was also a focus.

In his overview, Smith said they looked at existing conditions of the cycling network including current routes and trails, as well as route selection criteria— which include scenic routes, tourism access, safety, direct connections, feasibility, and the Millennium Trail. “Then we looked at some candidate routes we have identified to complete gaps in the existing networks and improve opportunities for cycling,” explained Smith, who said field investigations were undertaken to better understand road characteristics. Existing conditions have been looked at covering the Millennium Trail, as well as the Waterfront Trail, an on-road route along Loyalist Parkway/Highway 33. “We also looked at previously identified tourism routes and considered those in the candidate routes.” Proposed routes are colour-coded on maps with red routes indicating primarily commuter-based or destination-oriented, blue routes are recreational or tourism-focused which are considered quiet routes already suitable for cycling. Green routes are where there are recommended improvements, such as paved shoulders.

The projects in the urban areas are mainly in Picton, Wellington and Bloomfield, and Smith highlighted six key recommendations, the first of which is to build upon the existing network and enhance it. The CMP identifies it as a linear park that new developments should connect to, if feasible. “The plan also supports amenities like more rest stations, continuing implementation of the wayfinding system, particularly at crossings and key connections at urban centres,” said Smith.

“They also recommend strategic investments along major roads that connect to the trail, for example, Johnson Street and County Road 4 in Picton, and Consecon Street and Belleville Street in Wellington.”

Smith noted that both Highway 62 and Highway 33 projects fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). “A large portion of the network is on provincial highways and the MTO is an important stakeholder,” he said. The CMP also looked at an updated paved shoulder policy. “Paving shoulders, where practical, such as when the road base is already in place is a recommendation at the time of planned resurfacing by construction where it aligns with the cycling network.” The plan also recommends using low-cost, quickbuild materials, such as paint markings and signage.

Improved cycling access to Sandbanks Provincial Park from both Bloomfield and Picton was also a recommendation. “There is a huge pent-up demand for cycling here, but people don’t feel safe on County Road 12 with cycling.” Of the 17 recommended projects, one is to connect the Millennium Trail from Bloomfield to Sandbanks where Smith gave examples of a multi-use path on Stanley Street from Bloomfield Main Street to the Millennium Trail; paved shoulders on a section of County Road12 from the Millennium Trail to Kleinsteuber Parks Road; paved shoulders on County Road 12 from Kleinsteuber Parks Road to County Road 18; and paved shoulders on County Road18 from County Road 12 to 11.

“I am more concerned about the cycling infrastructure we adopt going forward to make the lives and safety of County residents better, rather than providing more ways to attract people to the region,” said Councillor Kate MacNaughton. Councillor Mike Harper asked how cyclists and ATVs would co-exist on the Millennium Trail. Councillor Ernie Margetson said he would prefer to have a focus on certain spines throughout the County to complement and augment the Millennium Trail. “If I had a limited budget and a limited objective to get routes in place, I would look at the Millennium Trail connecting Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington, Consecon and Carrying Place,” said Margetson. “I have always thought we need another spine, say through Hillier, Ameliasburgh, up to Rossmore and in Sophiasburgh, and maybe one or two to the south. Instead of a whole bunch of roads with perhaps paved shoulders, maybe secondary roads that have good pavement and markings, so concentrate your focus on a number of spines that connect places in the County,” he said.

Councillor Janice Maynard was concerned about enhancing the County as a premier biking destination. “Until we have better facilities, we should probably not be encouraging people to come here for a biking destination,” she said. “When we do those upgrades, I would like to see residents get from home to the store or from home to work, that should be our priority before routes between attractions; I would like to see more home-grown.” The presentation can be viewed on the County’s YouTube channel (May 25 council meeting). The public have just 30 days to provide further feedback on the Cycling Master Plan before it is finalized and goes before council for approval. Comments can be made at haveyoursay.thecounty. ca/tmp-cmp.