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Stone Road Cycling Improvements

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Consultation has concluded

Council-approved plans propose the addition of cycling infrastructure on the north and south side of Stone Road. Improvements (one-way cycle track and a two-way multi-use path) within the boulevard are recommended on the north and south sides of Stone Road. These additions will increase efficiency and safety for people biking in the area, and connect cyclists to a broader network of paths and trails.

Some turning lanes may be impacted after construction. Sidewalks, bus stops and existing travel lanes will remain the same.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

This project supports the planning and policies found within the City’s Cycling Master Plan, Active Transportation Network and Official Plan to encourage and support healthy, safe and convenient modes of transportation within our community.

Review the presentation video in the video section on the right or pdf version and if you have any comments or questions please tell us or ask us below.

Council-approved plans propose the addition of cycling infrastructure on the north and south side of Stone Road. Improvements (one-way cycle track and a two-way multi-use path) within the boulevard are recommended on the north and south sides of Stone Road. These additions will increase efficiency and safety for people biking in the area, and connect cyclists to a broader network of paths and trails.

Some turning lanes may be impacted after construction. Sidewalks, bus stops and existing travel lanes will remain the same.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

This project supports the planning and policies found within the City’s Cycling Master Plan, Active Transportation Network and Official Plan to encourage and support healthy, safe and convenient modes of transportation within our community.

Review the presentation video in the video section on the right or pdf version and if you have any comments or questions please tell us or ask us below.

Consultation has concluded

Have questions about the cycling improvements on Stone Road? Ask us here. We will answer you within 3 business days.

  • Share Why can't we just allow cyclists to use sidewalks? It is a safe, grade separated, network across the entire built up area of the city. on Facebook Share Why can't we just allow cyclists to use sidewalks? It is a safe, grade separated, network across the entire built up area of the city. on Twitter Share Why can't we just allow cyclists to use sidewalks? It is a safe, grade separated, network across the entire built up area of the city. on Linkedin Email Why can't we just allow cyclists to use sidewalks? It is a safe, grade separated, network across the entire built up area of the city. link

    Why can't we just allow cyclists to use sidewalks? It is a safe, grade separated, network across the entire built up area of the city.

    Thisismyloginname asked over 3 years ago

    Hi there, 

    Thanks for your question. There are a number of reasons we don't permit cyclists on sidewalks. A bicycle is a vehicle under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, and for that reason alone cannot be operated on any sidewalks, unless a bylaw is in place to permit otherwise.

    Mixing bicycles and pedestrians is not advised under current guidebooks, such as Ontario's Traffic Manual Book 18. This is the technical guidebook Ontario municipalities consult when designing and implementing cycling infrastructure, and it recommends a minimum 3.0 meter wide space where bikes and pedestrians are to mix. Guelph's sidewalks on average are only 1.5 meters wide, which is not enough space for bicycles and pedestrians to pass one another and safely share.

    From an Accessibility perspective, bikes on sidewalks can pose a number of challenges. For instance a person with a visual impairment could be frightened or injured by someone biking on the sidewalk and we want to make sure all of our users have a safe and comfortable space to travel within. Many cyclists are travelling at higher speeds as they commute across the City or ride recreationally, and mixing those users with a variety of pedestrians of different ages and abilities could be unsafe for everyone. 

    I hope this helps answer your question, thank you for your comment!

  • Share Regarding the multi-use path section starting at the Hanlon. Will there be lines on it and markings to indicate where cyclists and walkers should stay to keep separated. When cycling at commuting speeds I find it very dangerous to have walkers (especially those wearing earbuds) meandering unpredictably across the full width of the path. The ones with the ear buds are oblivious to their surroundings and don’t respond to any audible warnings. Regarding the presentation, it is quite confusing when the introduction specifies that Stone Road runs east/west but during the project overview it is split into sections that are North/South of each other. on Facebook Share Regarding the multi-use path section starting at the Hanlon. Will there be lines on it and markings to indicate where cyclists and walkers should stay to keep separated. When cycling at commuting speeds I find it very dangerous to have walkers (especially those wearing earbuds) meandering unpredictably across the full width of the path. The ones with the ear buds are oblivious to their surroundings and don’t respond to any audible warnings. Regarding the presentation, it is quite confusing when the introduction specifies that Stone Road runs east/west but during the project overview it is split into sections that are North/South of each other. on Twitter Share Regarding the multi-use path section starting at the Hanlon. Will there be lines on it and markings to indicate where cyclists and walkers should stay to keep separated. When cycling at commuting speeds I find it very dangerous to have walkers (especially those wearing earbuds) meandering unpredictably across the full width of the path. The ones with the ear buds are oblivious to their surroundings and don’t respond to any audible warnings. Regarding the presentation, it is quite confusing when the introduction specifies that Stone Road runs east/west but during the project overview it is split into sections that are North/South of each other. on Linkedin Email Regarding the multi-use path section starting at the Hanlon. Will there be lines on it and markings to indicate where cyclists and walkers should stay to keep separated. When cycling at commuting speeds I find it very dangerous to have walkers (especially those wearing earbuds) meandering unpredictably across the full width of the path. The ones with the ear buds are oblivious to their surroundings and don’t respond to any audible warnings. Regarding the presentation, it is quite confusing when the introduction specifies that Stone Road runs east/west but during the project overview it is split into sections that are North/South of each other. link

    Regarding the multi-use path section starting at the Hanlon. Will there be lines on it and markings to indicate where cyclists and walkers should stay to keep separated. When cycling at commuting speeds I find it very dangerous to have walkers (especially those wearing earbuds) meandering unpredictably across the full width of the path. The ones with the ear buds are oblivious to their surroundings and don’t respond to any audible warnings. Regarding the presentation, it is quite confusing when the introduction specifies that Stone Road runs east/west but during the project overview it is split into sections that are North/South of each other.

    Tonthetrail asked over 3 years ago

    Thanks for your feedback on the presentation layout. Stone Road runs east/west and is bordered by Edinburgh Road on the east side, and the Hanlon Expressway on the West side. The "north" and "south" are referring to each side of Stone Road. The north side has Stone Road mall on it, and the South side has commercial retailers such as East Side Marios and Staples. I hope this helps clarify, please feel free to reach out if any other information would be helpful. 

    The detailed design stage will identify what type of pavement markings are appropriate for the multi-use pathway running between the Hanlon Expressway and Scottsdale Drive. Your comments will be shared with the consulting team for their consideration. 

    Thank you!

  • Share Copied from the Comments section: "Are we building for more cars or a multi-modal future?" on Facebook Share Copied from the Comments section: "Are we building for more cars or a multi-modal future?" on Twitter Share Copied from the Comments section: "Are we building for more cars or a multi-modal future?" on Linkedin Email Copied from the Comments section: "Are we building for more cars or a multi-modal future?" link

    Copied from the Comments section: "Are we building for more cars or a multi-modal future?"

    over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your comments. The intent behind this project is to provide safe and inviting options for a variety of modes in Guelph. If you are interested in long range Transportation Planning in Guelph, I would encourage you to check out the Transportation Master Plan Update! https://www.haveyoursay.guelph.ca/transportation 

  • Share Copied from the Comments section: "Will bike lanes on Scottsdale and Edinburgh Rd South be installed at the same time? Is the plan to channel bike traffic down the hydro line?" on Facebook Share Copied from the Comments section: "Will bike lanes on Scottsdale and Edinburgh Rd South be installed at the same time? Is the plan to channel bike traffic down the hydro line?" on Twitter Share Copied from the Comments section: "Will bike lanes on Scottsdale and Edinburgh Rd South be installed at the same time? Is the plan to channel bike traffic down the hydro line?" on Linkedin Email Copied from the Comments section: "Will bike lanes on Scottsdale and Edinburgh Rd South be installed at the same time? Is the plan to channel bike traffic down the hydro line?" link

    Copied from the Comments section: "Will bike lanes on Scottsdale and Edinburgh Rd South be installed at the same time? Is the plan to channel bike traffic down the hydro line?"

    over 3 years ago

    Any work scheduled to occur on either Scottsdale or Edinburgh Road falls outside the scope of this project. You can visit the linked pages to view the City's proposed cycling network, as directed by the Cycling Master Plan; or see the Active Transportation Network Study map to view planned and existing off-road routes.

  • Share Copied from the Comments section: "I'm not sure why there is no plan for a unidirectional bike lane on the south of Stone between the Hanlon and Scottsdale." [...] "I wonder if consideration has been given to tighten up the corners of the right-hand turning lanes into the mall to force drivers to slow down as they cross the bike lane. It might be worth thinking about." on Facebook Share Copied from the Comments section: "I'm not sure why there is no plan for a unidirectional bike lane on the south of Stone between the Hanlon and Scottsdale." [...] "I wonder if consideration has been given to tighten up the corners of the right-hand turning lanes into the mall to force drivers to slow down as they cross the bike lane. It might be worth thinking about." on Twitter Share Copied from the Comments section: "I'm not sure why there is no plan for a unidirectional bike lane on the south of Stone between the Hanlon and Scottsdale." [...] "I wonder if consideration has been given to tighten up the corners of the right-hand turning lanes into the mall to force drivers to slow down as they cross the bike lane. It might be worth thinking about." on Linkedin Email Copied from the Comments section: "I'm not sure why there is no plan for a unidirectional bike lane on the south of Stone between the Hanlon and Scottsdale." [...] "I wonder if consideration has been given to tighten up the corners of the right-hand turning lanes into the mall to force drivers to slow down as they cross the bike lane. It might be worth thinking about." link

    Copied from the Comments section: "I'm not sure why there is no plan for a unidirectional bike lane on the south of Stone between the Hanlon and Scottsdale." [...] "I wonder if consideration has been given to tighten up the corners of the right-hand turning lanes into the mall to force drivers to slow down as they cross the bike lane. It might be worth thinking about."

    over 3 years ago

    The south side of Stone Road from the Hanlon Expressway to Scottsdale Drive will feature a bi-directional multi-use pathway. This is because this link is part of the City's Active Transportation Network. Cyclists will need to travel in both directions to access the north and south ATN connections, and channeling the majority of north-south crossing activity to Stone at Scottsdale will enhance safety of people walking and cycling. Stone at Scottsdale is a smaller, lower volume and lower speed intersection, and will not be subject to future changes implemented by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario. 

    Your comment about tightening the corners into the mall entrances will be shared with the consulting team. Thank you!

  • Share To test cycling in the area I biked Stone Road heading North from Scottsdale to Edinburgh, the other day, riding the sidewalk on the South side. What I do not understand about the proposed cycling infrastructure is how it proposes to limit the hazards from exits and entrances to businesses along Stone Road. It appears to me there are safety issues particularly around the Stone Square Center. (McDonalds, Tim Hortons, East side Marios, Dollarama, Bulk Barn, Staples, Cannabis shops, etc) Perhaps I am missing something? Are there going to be some kind of safety features stronger than signage and paint? on Facebook Share To test cycling in the area I biked Stone Road heading North from Scottsdale to Edinburgh, the other day, riding the sidewalk on the South side. What I do not understand about the proposed cycling infrastructure is how it proposes to limit the hazards from exits and entrances to businesses along Stone Road. It appears to me there are safety issues particularly around the Stone Square Center. (McDonalds, Tim Hortons, East side Marios, Dollarama, Bulk Barn, Staples, Cannabis shops, etc) Perhaps I am missing something? Are there going to be some kind of safety features stronger than signage and paint? on Twitter Share To test cycling in the area I biked Stone Road heading North from Scottsdale to Edinburgh, the other day, riding the sidewalk on the South side. What I do not understand about the proposed cycling infrastructure is how it proposes to limit the hazards from exits and entrances to businesses along Stone Road. It appears to me there are safety issues particularly around the Stone Square Center. (McDonalds, Tim Hortons, East side Marios, Dollarama, Bulk Barn, Staples, Cannabis shops, etc) Perhaps I am missing something? Are there going to be some kind of safety features stronger than signage and paint? on Linkedin Email To test cycling in the area I biked Stone Road heading North from Scottsdale to Edinburgh, the other day, riding the sidewalk on the South side. What I do not understand about the proposed cycling infrastructure is how it proposes to limit the hazards from exits and entrances to businesses along Stone Road. It appears to me there are safety issues particularly around the Stone Square Center. (McDonalds, Tim Hortons, East side Marios, Dollarama, Bulk Barn, Staples, Cannabis shops, etc) Perhaps I am missing something? Are there going to be some kind of safety features stronger than signage and paint? link

    To test cycling in the area I biked Stone Road heading North from Scottsdale to Edinburgh, the other day, riding the sidewalk on the South side. What I do not understand about the proposed cycling infrastructure is how it proposes to limit the hazards from exits and entrances to businesses along Stone Road. It appears to me there are safety issues particularly around the Stone Square Center. (McDonalds, Tim Hortons, East side Marios, Dollarama, Bulk Barn, Staples, Cannabis shops, etc) Perhaps I am missing something? Are there going to be some kind of safety features stronger than signage and paint?

    mapleheads asked over 3 years ago

    Facilities within the high volume intersections will be developed as we proceed through the detailed design process, and special attention will be given to locations where turning conflicts are a particular risk. This feedback will be shared with the consulting team. 

  • Share this looks good and could it occur in 2023 or 2024? on Facebook Share this looks good and could it occur in 2023 or 2024? on Twitter Share this looks good and could it occur in 2023 or 2024? on Linkedin Email this looks good and could it occur in 2023 or 2024? link

    this looks good and could it occur in 2023 or 2024?

    stephen m asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your comment. Construction timing is dependent upon Staff resources and Capital budget allocation. This project has been slotted into the first available timeslot for both, and will be shifted up if the opportunity becomes available. 

  • Share These improvements will make a big difference for this area. What about a multidirecrional path connecting stone road to the trails at Janefield Ave along the side of Scottsdale? on Facebook Share These improvements will make a big difference for this area. What about a multidirecrional path connecting stone road to the trails at Janefield Ave along the side of Scottsdale? on Twitter Share These improvements will make a big difference for this area. What about a multidirecrional path connecting stone road to the trails at Janefield Ave along the side of Scottsdale? on Linkedin Email These improvements will make a big difference for this area. What about a multidirecrional path connecting stone road to the trails at Janefield Ave along the side of Scottsdale? link

    These improvements will make a big difference for this area. What about a multidirecrional path connecting stone road to the trails at Janefield Ave along the side of Scottsdale?

    mdinka asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your idea. A Multi-Use Path or equivalent, along the west side of Scottsdale from Janefiled to Stone is recommended by the City's Active Transportation Network Study. We will endeavour to complete this project around the same time as the Stone Road cycling facilities are built. 

  • Share Great work! It is not likely you can address this concern, however whenever I cycle beside roads that are wide (like Stone road) I am assaulted by wind because there are no trees. Bike lanes need excellent tree cover to shelter them from wind and trees need large buffer areas for healthy root growth:). Trees also absorb sound. Cycling beside traffic does not maximize the mental health benefits if one is exposed to excessive levels of noise. Cycling infrastructure is much more than simply creating a path. If cycling infrastructure is for all age groups, imagine you are 5 years old and out for a bike ride. Are you going to make use of this infrastructure? What services exist on Stone road, that you, being 5, would want to cycle too? Do you feel safe? Will the turn lanes into the mall be lengthened to accommodate the increase in wait time for cars turning into the mall due to increased cycle and pedestrian traffic? How much of an increase in cycling/pedestrian travel along Stone Road is projected with the installation of new infrastructure? Could we close the entrances to the mall along stone road and make Edinburgh and Scottsdale the only entrance and exit to the mall? Hmmm maybe that's not such a great idea for those cycling Scottsdale and Edinburgh. Could we close the mall? Will the buffers adequately accommodate snow when roads, sidewalks and bike lanes are cleared? Can the video show the same infrastructure but during winter to help me envision real conditions? Is there a way we can work with the snow to eliminate the need to clear snow during winter. Perhaps changing modes of transportation from wheel based to ski/slider based during winter months, thus accommodating the snow rather than "shoving it out of the way"? Isn't the objective of INCREASING cycling/pedestrian/public transit infrastructure to REDUCE automobile/truck infrastructure? We seem to be piling on more and more infrastructure rather than trading off one for the other. Finally, does the budget for this proposal include maintenance or is it expenses related to construction only? I think if we factored in the real cost of driving vs the real cost of walking we'd automatically create walkable cities simply because we'd realize we can't afford drivable cities. Money seems to drive our decisions. Sorry, I know some of these comments are not helpful. Appreciate having the forum to voice these opinions and I do sincerely appreciate the work that has been done here. Thank you. To summarize on actionable issues, I am concerned about the mall entrances/exits and cycling hazards similar to the drivethrough entrance to McDonalds on Gordon Street. In spite of signage, green paint and driver awareness, that entrance is still a hazard to vulnerable road users. Mall entrances/exits are similar. It seems that if drivers are made to wait they become impatient and therefore MORE hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists. on Facebook Share Great work! It is not likely you can address this concern, however whenever I cycle beside roads that are wide (like Stone road) I am assaulted by wind because there are no trees. Bike lanes need excellent tree cover to shelter them from wind and trees need large buffer areas for healthy root growth:). Trees also absorb sound. Cycling beside traffic does not maximize the mental health benefits if one is exposed to excessive levels of noise. Cycling infrastructure is much more than simply creating a path. If cycling infrastructure is for all age groups, imagine you are 5 years old and out for a bike ride. Are you going to make use of this infrastructure? What services exist on Stone road, that you, being 5, would want to cycle too? Do you feel safe? Will the turn lanes into the mall be lengthened to accommodate the increase in wait time for cars turning into the mall due to increased cycle and pedestrian traffic? How much of an increase in cycling/pedestrian travel along Stone Road is projected with the installation of new infrastructure? Could we close the entrances to the mall along stone road and make Edinburgh and Scottsdale the only entrance and exit to the mall? Hmmm maybe that's not such a great idea for those cycling Scottsdale and Edinburgh. Could we close the mall? Will the buffers adequately accommodate snow when roads, sidewalks and bike lanes are cleared? Can the video show the same infrastructure but during winter to help me envision real conditions? Is there a way we can work with the snow to eliminate the need to clear snow during winter. Perhaps changing modes of transportation from wheel based to ski/slider based during winter months, thus accommodating the snow rather than "shoving it out of the way"? Isn't the objective of INCREASING cycling/pedestrian/public transit infrastructure to REDUCE automobile/truck infrastructure? We seem to be piling on more and more infrastructure rather than trading off one for the other. Finally, does the budget for this proposal include maintenance or is it expenses related to construction only? I think if we factored in the real cost of driving vs the real cost of walking we'd automatically create walkable cities simply because we'd realize we can't afford drivable cities. Money seems to drive our decisions. Sorry, I know some of these comments are not helpful. Appreciate having the forum to voice these opinions and I do sincerely appreciate the work that has been done here. Thank you. To summarize on actionable issues, I am concerned about the mall entrances/exits and cycling hazards similar to the drivethrough entrance to McDonalds on Gordon Street. In spite of signage, green paint and driver awareness, that entrance is still a hazard to vulnerable road users. Mall entrances/exits are similar. It seems that if drivers are made to wait they become impatient and therefore MORE hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists. on Twitter Share Great work! It is not likely you can address this concern, however whenever I cycle beside roads that are wide (like Stone road) I am assaulted by wind because there are no trees. Bike lanes need excellent tree cover to shelter them from wind and trees need large buffer areas for healthy root growth:). Trees also absorb sound. Cycling beside traffic does not maximize the mental health benefits if one is exposed to excessive levels of noise. Cycling infrastructure is much more than simply creating a path. If cycling infrastructure is for all age groups, imagine you are 5 years old and out for a bike ride. Are you going to make use of this infrastructure? What services exist on Stone road, that you, being 5, would want to cycle too? Do you feel safe? Will the turn lanes into the mall be lengthened to accommodate the increase in wait time for cars turning into the mall due to increased cycle and pedestrian traffic? How much of an increase in cycling/pedestrian travel along Stone Road is projected with the installation of new infrastructure? Could we close the entrances to the mall along stone road and make Edinburgh and Scottsdale the only entrance and exit to the mall? Hmmm maybe that's not such a great idea for those cycling Scottsdale and Edinburgh. Could we close the mall? Will the buffers adequately accommodate snow when roads, sidewalks and bike lanes are cleared? Can the video show the same infrastructure but during winter to help me envision real conditions? Is there a way we can work with the snow to eliminate the need to clear snow during winter. Perhaps changing modes of transportation from wheel based to ski/slider based during winter months, thus accommodating the snow rather than "shoving it out of the way"? Isn't the objective of INCREASING cycling/pedestrian/public transit infrastructure to REDUCE automobile/truck infrastructure? We seem to be piling on more and more infrastructure rather than trading off one for the other. Finally, does the budget for this proposal include maintenance or is it expenses related to construction only? I think if we factored in the real cost of driving vs the real cost of walking we'd automatically create walkable cities simply because we'd realize we can't afford drivable cities. Money seems to drive our decisions. Sorry, I know some of these comments are not helpful. Appreciate having the forum to voice these opinions and I do sincerely appreciate the work that has been done here. Thank you. To summarize on actionable issues, I am concerned about the mall entrances/exits and cycling hazards similar to the drivethrough entrance to McDonalds on Gordon Street. In spite of signage, green paint and driver awareness, that entrance is still a hazard to vulnerable road users. Mall entrances/exits are similar. It seems that if drivers are made to wait they become impatient and therefore MORE hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists. on Linkedin Email Great work! It is not likely you can address this concern, however whenever I cycle beside roads that are wide (like Stone road) I am assaulted by wind because there are no trees. Bike lanes need excellent tree cover to shelter them from wind and trees need large buffer areas for healthy root growth:). Trees also absorb sound. Cycling beside traffic does not maximize the mental health benefits if one is exposed to excessive levels of noise. Cycling infrastructure is much more than simply creating a path. If cycling infrastructure is for all age groups, imagine you are 5 years old and out for a bike ride. Are you going to make use of this infrastructure? What services exist on Stone road, that you, being 5, would want to cycle too? Do you feel safe? Will the turn lanes into the mall be lengthened to accommodate the increase in wait time for cars turning into the mall due to increased cycle and pedestrian traffic? How much of an increase in cycling/pedestrian travel along Stone Road is projected with the installation of new infrastructure? Could we close the entrances to the mall along stone road and make Edinburgh and Scottsdale the only entrance and exit to the mall? Hmmm maybe that's not such a great idea for those cycling Scottsdale and Edinburgh. Could we close the mall? Will the buffers adequately accommodate snow when roads, sidewalks and bike lanes are cleared? Can the video show the same infrastructure but during winter to help me envision real conditions? Is there a way we can work with the snow to eliminate the need to clear snow during winter. Perhaps changing modes of transportation from wheel based to ski/slider based during winter months, thus accommodating the snow rather than "shoving it out of the way"? Isn't the objective of INCREASING cycling/pedestrian/public transit infrastructure to REDUCE automobile/truck infrastructure? We seem to be piling on more and more infrastructure rather than trading off one for the other. Finally, does the budget for this proposal include maintenance or is it expenses related to construction only? I think if we factored in the real cost of driving vs the real cost of walking we'd automatically create walkable cities simply because we'd realize we can't afford drivable cities. Money seems to drive our decisions. Sorry, I know some of these comments are not helpful. Appreciate having the forum to voice these opinions and I do sincerely appreciate the work that has been done here. Thank you. To summarize on actionable issues, I am concerned about the mall entrances/exits and cycling hazards similar to the drivethrough entrance to McDonalds on Gordon Street. In spite of signage, green paint and driver awareness, that entrance is still a hazard to vulnerable road users. Mall entrances/exits are similar. It seems that if drivers are made to wait they become impatient and therefore MORE hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists. link

    Great work! It is not likely you can address this concern, however whenever I cycle beside roads that are wide (like Stone road) I am assaulted by wind because there are no trees. Bike lanes need excellent tree cover to shelter them from wind and trees need large buffer areas for healthy root growth:). Trees also absorb sound. Cycling beside traffic does not maximize the mental health benefits if one is exposed to excessive levels of noise. Cycling infrastructure is much more than simply creating a path. If cycling infrastructure is for all age groups, imagine you are 5 years old and out for a bike ride. Are you going to make use of this infrastructure? What services exist on Stone road, that you, being 5, would want to cycle too? Do you feel safe? Will the turn lanes into the mall be lengthened to accommodate the increase in wait time for cars turning into the mall due to increased cycle and pedestrian traffic? How much of an increase in cycling/pedestrian travel along Stone Road is projected with the installation of new infrastructure? Could we close the entrances to the mall along stone road and make Edinburgh and Scottsdale the only entrance and exit to the mall? Hmmm maybe that's not such a great idea for those cycling Scottsdale and Edinburgh. Could we close the mall? Will the buffers adequately accommodate snow when roads, sidewalks and bike lanes are cleared? Can the video show the same infrastructure but during winter to help me envision real conditions? Is there a way we can work with the snow to eliminate the need to clear snow during winter. Perhaps changing modes of transportation from wheel based to ski/slider based during winter months, thus accommodating the snow rather than "shoving it out of the way"? Isn't the objective of INCREASING cycling/pedestrian/public transit infrastructure to REDUCE automobile/truck infrastructure? We seem to be piling on more and more infrastructure rather than trading off one for the other. Finally, does the budget for this proposal include maintenance or is it expenses related to construction only? I think if we factored in the real cost of driving vs the real cost of walking we'd automatically create walkable cities simply because we'd realize we can't afford drivable cities. Money seems to drive our decisions. Sorry, I know some of these comments are not helpful. Appreciate having the forum to voice these opinions and I do sincerely appreciate the work that has been done here. Thank you. To summarize on actionable issues, I am concerned about the mall entrances/exits and cycling hazards similar to the drivethrough entrance to McDonalds on Gordon Street. In spite of signage, green paint and driver awareness, that entrance is still a hazard to vulnerable road users. Mall entrances/exits are similar. It seems that if drivers are made to wait they become impatient and therefore MORE hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists.

    mapleheads asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Mapleheads, 

    You raise some excellent points and have clearly engaged both with the online materials and at the street level to provide your comments. Thank you! They will be reviewed in more detail through this Community Engagement process, and I'll do my best to address some of them here:

    Trees: Agreed! It's possible that there will be some additional plantings completed through this project, however we do need to adhere to existing design guidelines regarding planting trees near hydro and underground infrastructure. 

    This is intended to be an all ages and abilities facility. The wide buffers in most areas should help a variety of users (including young children) feel safe and additional consideration will be given to areas without wide buffers. 

    There are currently no plans to lengthen the turning lanes into the mall entrances. 

    It is difficult to predict the percentage of increase in cycling trips this project will generate, however in other parts of the City we have seen increases between 43%-400% in locations that are upgraded from no cycling facilities to protected cycling facilities. 

    Closure of mall entrances (or the mall) is not under consideration at this time. :) 

    Snow storage has been considered in the design and the buffers available throughout the majority of the route are intended to provide space for snow storage. We are continually improving our winter maintenance program for cycling infrastructure, and while it may not be immediately perfect we are working with our Operations colleagues to acquire the required equipment and staff resources to provide for a high level of service on cycling facilities during all seasons. Including images of comparable infrastructure in the winter is an excellent idea, we will strive for this during future Community Engagement projects. 

    If you are interested in learning more or providing input in the direction Transportation Planning as a whole is going in Guelph (in regards to your questions on mode share) I would encourage you to check out the Transportation Master Plan which is currently being updated! https://www.haveyoursay.guelph.ca/transportation

    The budget for this project encompasses design and construction, maintenance of cycling infrastructure comes from the Operating budget. Upon completion, maintenance needs for this project will be reflected in Operating Budget requests.

    With regards to the driveway and mall entrances, special attention will be given to these to reduce the potential for conflict as much as possible at these locations. 

    Thank you very much for your thoughtful and thorough feedback, it will be shared with the project team, documented and incorporated where possible!