Ottawa, July 18, 2016 – On May 4, five teams of cyclists travelled along different routes into Kanata North Business Community as part of the Cycle In Kanata North event. Organized by EnviroCentre’s Sustain Kanata North initiative, in conjunction with Councilor Marianne Wilkinson’s Transportation Advisory Committee, the Kanata North BIA, KRP Properties, and Ottawa Centre EcoDistrict, the event invited teams of cyclists to start at a number of pre-selected locations to explore and assess different cycling routes leading into the business area.
Cyclists evaluated routes most commonly used by bike commuters in the area and the observations made are summarized in the ‘Cycle In Kanata North Report,’ to be released July 20 at the Kanata North Community Picnic at Sandwell Green. This summary report will be submitted to the City of Ottawa to assist in improving the area’s cycling infrastructure and commuting options.
Businesses in Kanata North directly employ 21, 000 people and generate 7.8 billion in GDP annually. According to the Kanata North BIA, half of these employees live within a five kilometer radius of their work and they drive because of the ample free parking, the high capacity of the March Road, and the current state of the cycling infrastructure.
Current challenges identified
- The train bridge on Carling Avenue is a challenge. This narrow bridge requires cyclists to “take the lane” and merge into 80 km/h traffic. Despite signs prohibiting passing under the bridge, cyclists report that they are regularly passed, including on the morning of the Cycle In event. Many cyclists choose to travel the NCC pathways instead, but endure long wait times to cross Carling, where there isn’t a recognized crossing point during rush hour.
- Terry Fox Drive provides the best route into the high-tech park with well-designed bike lanes and a multi-use pathway on one side.
- March Road presents the largest challenge. The road hosts heavy, high-speed traffic. An alternate route to March Road is planned for the new development around the Beaverpond. In the interim, however, there is no straight-forward alternative to March Road.
With so many residents living so close to where they work, Kanata holds great potential to be a commuter cycling hub and is an ideal target location for improving the cycling infrastructure.
To learn more, read the full report on Councilor Wilkinson’s website and on envirocentre.ca/sustainkanatanorth.
About EnviroCentre
EnviroCentre is a non-profit organization offering practical services and programs that help individuals and organizations conserve energy, improve environmental health and act more sustainably