Lisa Stokes, Co-Chair, provided a detailed overview of the Brampton Cycling Infrastructure Improvements, which included Committee achievements, outstanding areas of concern and provided possible solutions. Ms. Stokes placed the following motions on the floor for Committee consideration, which were voted on separately, and carried:
Motion 1:
That the presentation from Lisa Stokes, Co-Chair re: Brampton Cycling Infrastructure Improvements, to the Cycling Advisory Committee Meeting of August 18, 2022, be received.
Motion 2:
Whereas the crossride signal timing at Region of Peel and Province of Ontario jurisdictions in Brampton is coordinated to change to green, without pushing a button, when motor vehicle traffic signals turn green, and
Whereas the pilot crossride at Sandalwood Parkway and Pinecone Way has been shown to be dangerous, and
Whereas the crossrides on Countryside Drive are coordinated to change to green, without pushing a button, when motor vehicle traffic signals turn green, and
Whereas the crossride signal timing in Toronto is coordinated to change to green, without pushing a button, when motor vehicle traffic signals turn green,
That, it is the position of the Cycling Advisory Committee, that City Council direct staff to review bicycle signals timing in consideration of updating City crossrides to change to green, without pushing a button, when motor vehicle traffic signals turn green to improve safety and consistency within Brampton and with our geographic neighbor.
Motion 3:
Whereas parking in bike lanes is a significant issue which will require education and enforcement to address, working across departments,
That, it is the position of the Cycling Advisory Committee that a subcommittee be established in the new term of Council 2022 - 2026 that will work with appropriate staff to determine steps to address parking in bike lanes which could include, but not be limited to, design and delivery of education, and advice on possible enforcement strategies.
Motion 4:
Whereas there are bike lanes in Brampton that have not been added to bylaw 93-93; and,
Whereas Bylaw Enforcement may not ticket vehicles parked in bikes lanes that are not listed in the bylaw; and,
Whereas this creates a dangerous and disincentivizing situation for cyclists,
That, it is the position of the Cycling Advisory Committee that Council direct staff to update the bylaw, and to ensure that as bike lanes are constructed in future that there is a process in place to ensure that the bylaw is updated.
Motion 5:
Whereas asphalt paths are now recognized as an important part of our active transportation system and will be allowed in stormwater management and naturalized areas; and,
Whereas two significant active transportation corridors run through the park - Mount Pleasant and Flower City Recreational Trails; and,
Whereas some multi use trails in the park are unpaved, have flooded regularly since the park opened, and are currently closed due to permanent flooding even with no recent rainfall; and,
Whereas unpaved paths do not reconceive winter maintenance and citizens should be able to safely engage in Active Transportation year round; and,
Whereas this creates an accessibility issue for people pushing strollers, using wheelchairs, or who are insecure on less than ideal surfaces, as well as, for cyclists; and,
Whereas the Province passed Bill 197 which allows municipalities to use the Development Charges regime as well as the Community Benefits Charges framework for cycling infrastructure,
That, it is the position of the Cycling Advisory Committee that Council direct staff to immediately repair the flooded and closed path, and budget to upgrade the paths to asphalt in the next budget cycle
Motion 6:
The Cycling Advisory Committee nominates a member to delegate to Region of Peel Council on the importance of protecting cyclists and pedestrians in Regional intersections with high quality infrastructure.
The following motions were considered.