Ottawa city councillors looking forward to fall, improving cyclist safety on city streets

As the city invests in roads there is a need, now more than ever, to consider how it will impact cyclists, according to some members of city council. 

This year has been dangerous and deadly for cyclists, and the city wants to restore confidence and make the roads much safer. 

“We definitely need to have more separated cycling infrastructure and greater investments in cycling infrastructure,” explained Rideau-Rockcliffe councillor Rawlson King. 

Councillor King noted that the city needs to look at the city's infrastructure in a multi-modal fashion and put a focus on vision zero to put an end to cyclist deaths. 

King said it's time to get serious about this kind of infrastructure and he feels it's unfortunate that bylaws meant to help protect cyclists were not passed by council in the spring. 

Councillor and cycling advocate, Shawn Menard explained that the city is doing things backwards by not properly investing in cycling infrastructure. 

“The cost of doing that is very minimal,” Menard noted. “Financially we could be saving a tonne in addition to people's safety and lives.”

Menard feels there will be a turning point in the upcoming session of council. 

Rideau-Vanier councillor Mathieu Fleury says he expects many important debates at city hall this fall regarding maintenance standards and infrastructure. 

But, Fleury also pointed out some of the steps forward made including the Flora bridge, the Adàwe crossing and the protected intersection at Donald Street and St Laurent.