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This is a typical pinch point in my city (London, Canada). Almost no intersections make it easy for cyclists to get across them in the city, even on routes with cycling infrastructure. Mosti intersections have sensors that detect cars and experienced cyclists will know how to position your bike to trigger them. This is not intuitive or obvious for inexperienced cyclists or those who are unfamiliar with the route. It is common for lights to NEVER change until a car comes to trigger the sensor. In that case cyclists have to go onto the sidewalk and push the pedestrian “beg” button to trigger the light, or decide to break the law and run the light.
Hello Jordi,
A) As you say it is important to make have connections to key destinations like retail areas, schools or universities. I would also look to add a barrier with more height to increase the safety of the bike lane and keep exhaust from cars away.
B) extending lanes to commercial and retail areas always rubs into concerns about removing parking it making it harder for vehicles to drive through the street. To which I would say since bicycles are so space efficient, and can stop easier. One or two parking spaces in front of a business will be more then made up for by increased traffic my cyclists.
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this is the King Street protected bike lane on downtown London (Canada). It is about 2m wide and has a very wide buffer from vehicle traffic as well. Unfortunately it will be removed next year to make way for a dedicated bus lane.King at Talbot EB – #2736
London, ON N6A 1C1, Canada
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YWXFvwfdTN4njuQG8Hello, my name is Michael, I am an Urban Planner in London, Ontario, Canada.
1) I have worked for 4 years as an urban planner doing municipal planning documents (Official Plans, Neighbourhood Plans) as well as land development applications. Before that I worked in a non-profit supporting small businesses, and helping engage the local community and ensure their views were represented in the planning process. I have also gradually begun bike more and more. I start riding my bike to university since it was quick, and easy. I then started racing on a bike as part of triathlons. And recently in my job i have switched to commuting by bike almost every day and year round through snow, slush, rain, and the heat of summer. I bike because, in addition to the environmental benefits, it also reduces my stress, keeps me active and fit, and lets me spend more time outside.
2) How do you think your unique perspective will enhance our collective understanding of designing for cycling? I live and work in a smaller urban centre (about 400,000 people), which has some older denser areas with narrower streets, but is largely quite a spread out, sprawling city. Our land uses are also quite segregated, with large residential subdivisions, commercial nodes, downtown offices, and industrial areas at the edge of the city. Despite being spread out, the city is small enough that a majority of people could bike to downtown in about 30 minutes. I am interested in how these ideas translate to smaller cities and bring this perspective to the course.
3) My name is Michael Clark, you can find me on twitter at @MichaelARClark or in LinkedIn.
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