1. Cindy Evans, Brampton Resident, re: Safety Concerns at the Intersection of Dixie Road and Howden Boulevard
2. Parveen Kumar, Bike Hub Lead, and Amanjit Kahlon, Director of Community Development, Punjabi Community Health Services, re: Impact of Active Transportation, Equity, and Health
*3. Constable Claudia D’Amico, Peel Regional Police
(See Items 12.3.1 and 12.4.1)
Cindy Evans, Brampton Resident, provided a presentation regarding safety concerns at the intersection of Howden Boulevard and Dixie Road and outlined how physical barriers on bike lanes can improve safety.
Committee discussion on this matter included the following:
- Request for information on how many intersections are monitored by Peel Regional Police
- Provisions in the Highway Traffic Act and municipal by-laws relating to bicycles
- Enforcement of bike lanes
- Use of other mobility devices on bike lanes
- Safety concerns at the subject intersection and benefits of installing a protective barrier for safety
- Request that a Town Hall meeting be scheduled to obtain feedback from residents
- Complaints and concerns regarding bike lanes and the lack of education on how to navigate this infrastructure
- Information from staff regarding the consultation process for the Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP)
Parveen Kumar, Bike Hub Lead, and Amanjit Kahlon, Director of Community Development, Punjabi Community Health Services, provided information regarding the Different Spokes Bike Hub, including engagement with international students, and highlighted the importance of active transportation for residents due to its convenience and affordability. The delegation highlighted the health benefits of cycling, and outlined the importance of having a safe, connected active transportation network to encourage use of this infrastructure, and prioritizing Vision Zero. In addition, the delegation expressed support for the installation of protective barriers on bike lanes to improve road safety, particularly at the intersection of Howden Boulevard and Dixie Road.
Committee discussion on this matter included the following:
- The need to educate the public regarding active transportation infrastructure
- Affordability of using active transportation
- Use and effectiveness of bike lanes as a traffic calming measure
- Installation of protective barriers to encourage active transportation
- Active transportation and other mobility devices permitted on trails and sidewalks
- Implementation of bike lanes in accordance with the Council-approved ATMP
- Evolution of bike lane designs and the need for consistency across the network
- Challenges in navigating bike lanes due to design inconsistencies and lack of signage
- Plan and timeline for achieving consistency in bike lanes
- Concerns regarding faded line markings
Constable Claudia D’Amico, Peel Regional Police, provided information regarding the Peel Regional Police investigation, observations and response to safety concerns at the intersection of Dixie Road and Howden Boulevard. Constable D’Amico advised that pylons installed at the intersection appeared to be effective and suggested that staff undertake a study to review this intersection, including line markings and bike lane widths.
Committee discussion on this matter included the following:
- Peel Regional Police monitoring of intersections with bike lanes
- Options to improve safety of roads with bike lanes, including repainting lines, reviewing bike lane widths, and installing protective barriers
- Lack of communication to area Councillors regarding this matter
- Consideration of this matter by the Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) and the Brampton Community Safety Advisory Committee (BCSAC)
- Request that protective barriers be installed at the intersection of Dixie Road and Howden Boulevard as an interim solution
Steve Ganesh, Commissioner, Planning, Building and Growth Management, advised that staff would report back to a future Planning and Development Committee meeting regarding the matter of bike lanes.
The following motion was considered.