The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-007, dated September 8, 2023 recommending Report DSD-2023-007 be received as the first progress report for the Cycling and Trails Master Plan.
D. Kropf and L. Christensen provided an overview of the report and staff recommendation noting, since it’s approval in late 2020, 24 of the 35 actions identified in Kitchener's Cycling Trail Masterplan have been achieved. B. Cronkite and J. Silcox-Childs were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.
R. Rahman provided comments on behalf of the Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee noting the Advisory Committee is pleased with the progress made on the Cycling and Trails Master Plan, as well as other active transportation and trail initiatives.
S. Fritz provided comments in support of the report and staff recommendation. In response to questions from the Committee, S. Fritz noted consistent safety measures across all intersection crossings, where roads are connected to trails may improve the safety of cyclists and drivers.
A. Qizilbash provided comments in support of the report and staff recommendation.
S. Devries provided comments in support of the report and staff recommendation however noted suburbs and school areas currently considered as low priority in the Cycling and Trails Master Plan should be re-assessed. In response to questions from the Committee, S. Devries noted additional signage on trails for directional navigation would be of benefit to cyclists.
I. Graham provided comments in opposition to the report specifically in reference cycling lanes on Joseph Street. I. Graham noted cycling lanes are inappropriate on a one-way street as it requires residents and emergency medical services to use longer travel routes in order to access homes on this street. In response, D. Kropf noted consultations were held with emergency medical services prior to converting some streets into one-way lanes to facilitate cycling lanes.
Councillor J. Deneault left the meeting at this time and re-entered.
Councillor D. Schnider left the meeting at this time and re-entered.
Councillor A. Owodunni left the meeting at this time.