|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bob's Vision
Chiarelli Announces Bicycle Path Expansion Plan for Rural and Urban Ottawa 
OTTAWA, October 21, 2006 - Mayor Chiarelli today unveiled a new initiative to expand bicycle paths for rural and urban Ottawa.
“I’m pleased that this initiative has a strong rural component while at the same time enhancing the entire bicycle network throughout the City,” said Chiarelli. The plan will improve local cycling conditions, encourage more people to cycle more often, and help maintain Ottawa’s position as the most bicycle-friendly city in North America. Ottawa has the greatest number of people commuting to work by bike in North America.
The plan builds on the existing network of first-class on and off-road cycling paths throughout Ottawa and strengthens the City’s long-standing commitment to sustainable transportation, physical fitness and the development and promotion of cycling paths.
“Better connecting rural and urban Ottawa and making the City more accommodating to cycling remains critical to building a sustainable and greener future for Ottawa residents,” commented Chiarelli.
Mayor Chiarelli also credits the National Capital Commission with creating much of the greenspaces that host a large portion of the City’s bicycle path grid, which is part of a network of more than 170 kilometres of pathways and parkways available to cyclists. Under the Mayor’s plan, the City will commit 
$750,000 annually for four years and request matching funding from the federal and provincial governments. The following objectives are proposed:
1. Eighty kilometres of off-road bicycle paths in rural Ottawa will be constructed over the next four years, while ensuring that pathway projects respect private property rights and are community driven;
2. On-road cycling paths will be enhanced to better connect the City’s cycling network;
3. Strengthen the “spine” portion of the cycling network to improve the links between major commercial, employment, institutional, residential and tourist nodes and destinations throughout the rural and urban areas of the City.
4. More “bicycle-friendly” streets will be created by improving the design and signage on roadways, intersections, bridges and underpasses;
“Investing in our bicycle path infrastructure is the right thing to do. The more green, healthy choices people have with respect to transportation and leisure, the higher our quality of life,” concluded Mayor Chiarelli.
Archive
English