Personal injuries occur everyday that could be prevented, including injuries to innocent bicyclists who would be more safe on dedicated bicycle paths in the City of Ottawa. I am happy to share that The City of Ottawa intends to continue development of some key sections of the bicycle network in our city. The NCC may contribute to the initiative with five projects under consideration for 2011, which would help to link current pathways and to set up new pathways with improved access to key institutions, transit stations and communities. The Ottawa Citizen reports that this could cost in the realm of $7.7 million. Ottawa Council approved the long-range Ottawa Cycling Plan in 2008. According to the Ottawa Citizen, The Plan calls for 1,200 new km of bike lanes, multi-use pathways and bike-friendly paved shoulders over 20 years. Council also approved a $26 million spending plan over five years for the first phase of the project, which includes closing some of the gaps. The proposed pathways are designated in the cycling plan as future off-road cycling routes, and in a 2006 report, the NCC referred to four of them as projects to be constructed within 10 years, the staff report says.

The Ottawa Citizen notes that although the city hasn’t made a formal request, the NCC is aware of the staff report’s recommendations and “shares the city’s objectives of improving the pathway network,” said NCC spokesman Jean Wolff. Mona Abouhenidy, the city’s program manager of transportation strategic planning, said the NCC has so far been supportive of making the capital region more cycling-friendly, so she’s hopeful a cost-sharing agreement can be worked out.

Ottawa City staff are also exploring what other projects could be proposed for next year that wouldn’t involve the NCC.  “The ultimate objective is to create better and safer facilities for cyclists, so it becomes a more attractive mode of transportation,” Abouhenidy said. Between 2000 and 2009, the city added about 160 kilometres of new bike routes to its network. Including projects already underway in 2010, the city will have about 560 kilometres of the routes by the end of the year, Abouhenidy said.

Planners look at what cycling-friendly facilities can be added at the same time as other projects such as road reconstructions are done, she said. And city policies call for pedestrian and cycling facilities to be included on new and reconstructed roads. But it’s more of a challenge to link bike routes in older communities, where rights-of-way are limited and there are competing interests among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, Abouhenidy said. And, of course, finding the money is always a challenge.

The Ottawa Citizen reports that city councilors such as Clive Doucet (Capital), Diane Holmes (Somerset), Christine Leadman (Kitchissippi), Maria McRae (River) and Rainer Bloess (Innes) were consulted for the staff report because the proposed work takes place in their wards, and all said they support filling the gaps. All but one of the proposed paths are within seven kilometers of Parliament Hill, a distance that takes about 20 minutes cycling at a moderate pace, the report says. They all connect to an off-road route or a street that has a bike lane.

If approved by the transportation committee, the proposal would go before council on Aug. 25. Meanwhile, the city is also conducting a cycling safety study, and on its website is asking for input on dangerous areas. Staff will then analyze up to 20 sites deemed to be well-used but “difficult.” It’s expected the study will be finished by the end of the year, “but an on-going program will be developed based on many of the recommendations made within this project,” according to the city.

The cycling plan will be conducive to a more “green” lifestyle contributing to less of an ecological footprint on our environment and notably, I hope will produce more safety for everyone on the roads, so that we can prevent personal injury and harm form occurring to you and your loved ones.

Ottawa Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth is dedicated to helping Ottawa and Ontario accident victims. With his extensive experience and knowledge of relevant accident and personal injury issues, he has recovered millions of dollars in settlements on behalf of his personal injury clients. David has the experience and skill to present a successful accident case in order to obtain maximum compensation for his personal injury clients. David offers free consultations and makes home visits or hospital visits. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information.

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