Turning the pyramid on its end, Brampton proclaimed Streets for People. Brampton’s 2040 Vision stated civic sustainability emphasizes walking, then cycling, then transit, and finally vehicles.
City of Brampton’s 29.3 km of new bike facilites for 2021 has been announced with a flurry of ‘bike lane coming soon’ signs for 17 roads. Building on the 19.7 km of infrastructure from 2020, Brampton is creating a solid cycling network that will encourage more people to shift to the bicycle for their transportation choice.
BikeBrampton shares good news with the Media
BikeBrampton Chair David Laing was interviewed for Brampton Guardian articleby Clarrie Feinstein on May 14th.
BikeBrampton reviews bike lanes coming to Glenvale Blvd Video
This video formed a follow-up delegation to Brampton Council on May 19th.
Streets for People Bike Lanes Delegation to Brampton Cycling Advisory Committee
Not Just Bikes video below shows clearly why most Canadians (Bramptonians) don’t bike in winter and how we could. Well worth the watch!
“When talking about bicycle infrastructure in Canada, the number one excuse I hear is “winter.” Many Canadians see the cold and snow as a fundamental barrier to year round cycling. But one city, Oulu in Finland, with winter weather worse than most Canadian cities, shows that winter cycling has nothing to do with the weather, and everything to do with safe cycling infrastructure. Want to learn more about winter cycling? Every February, the Winter Cycling Federation holds a Winter Cycling Congress where experts and advocates get together and talk about best practices in cycling infrastructure and maintenance.” – with thanks to NOT JUST BIKES for this excellent content!
The year of COVID-19 allowed BikeBrampton to pivot to on-line and outdoor events for our Community Cycling Program normally offered at Brampton Bike Hubs & Caledon Bike Hubs.
See some of the lives we touched and the accomplishments of our Active Transportation advocacy!
Thanks to our partners, sponsors and volunteers for a great year!
Lisa virtually delegated on behalf of BikeBrampton, using three short videos. Her introductory video (below) outlined the key points that BikeBrampton made about the 2020 resurfacing report in item 10.3.6, followed by an invitation to Council to accompany her on a ride of a buffered bike lane and urban shoulder. She created videos to demonstrate her points.
The road noise in the video makes it difficult to hear for some video viewers. Lisa has provided her written video commentary:
Commentary Text for Central Park bike lane video:
I’m now at Bramalea and Central Park. This is a great facility.
One improvement I’d like to see is that the bike lane goes to Bramalea so there’s no conflict zone between bikes and cars at the intersection. I’d also like to see no dashed lines so the cars are not allowed to merge into the bike lane when turning right.
I love this facility because the buffer is so wide that it keeps the cars a long way from the cyclists. The bike lane is actually wide enough for cyclists to ride side-by-side.
If I was riding with my child here I would be riding over here next to the buffer and I would have my child on my inside between me and the curb, which would make them feel very protected, not only that they were far away from cars, but also that I would be able to ride beside them and guide them and chat with them, and provide an extra buffer between them and passing cars.
Commentary Text for McMurchy sharrow & urban shoulder video:
I am on McMurchy, south of Queen, where the cycling infrastructure is sharrows. Sharrows are supposed to indicate where cyclists should ride and to warn drivers that cyclists will be on the road. But they don’t provide any safety for cyclists, and anyone who would not be comfortable riding here without the sharrows, would not be comforted by the sharrows.
Now the facility turns into an urban shoulder and cars are regularly parked on the urban shoulder. So in order to pass this car here, I have to do a shoulder check, signal, another shoulder check, manoeuvre out and take the lane. And in a situation like this where cars are parked several car lengths apart, I have to continue to control the lane because it’s not safe or predictable for me to weave in and out, but a lot of inexperienced cyclists don’t realize this and get into continual conflict with motor vehicles in a situation like this. And here we come up to another car. In this case we pulled in, because there were more than about 10 car lengths between the parked cars, and to allow a car to pass us. These are manoeuvres that take a great deal of confidence and experience, and the 60% of cyclists that are interested, but concerned, would not be convinced that this type of cycling facility would keep them safe enough to get them off the sidewalk.
Brampton BikeWrx pop-up Café outdoor events as we deal with COVID-19.
BikeBrampton in partnership with City of Brampton is pleased to host pop-up tent events for promoting trail/bike lane etiquette. Where possible, we will do minor bike repairs. We will install Region of Peel bells while supplies last, once a skill testing question is answered. Bring your mask for repair service.
Schedule of BikeWrx Pop-up Cafés
Sat Jun 27, 10:00-noon – The Journey, 9 Ardglen parking lot
Sun Jul 12, 10:00am-noon – Duggan Park, Etobicoke Creek Trail, S of Vodden bike lanes, E of Ken Whillans Dr. west of Fire Station
Tues Jul 21, 6:00-8:00pm – Etobicoke Creek Trail behind Somerset Drive PS, N of Sandalwood
Thur Aug 13, 6:00-8:00pm – Esker Lake Trail, Parr Lake North Park, north side of Vodden bike lane, E of Lakeridge Dr. (at Lone Oak Ave)
Fri Aug 14, 6:00-8:00pm – Chinguacousy Park – along Chinguacousy Trail at Fire Hall
Mon Sept 14, 4:00-6:00pm – Rosalea Park, Etobicoke Creek Trail – Church St, E of Union
Rosalea Park BikeWrx Pop-up Cafe – Sep 14th
BikeBrampton’s final of the seven BikeWrx Pop-up Cafe came to Brampton’s downtown Rosalea Park, beside the Etobicoke Creek Trail at Church Street. We attracted many local residents passing by and had another opportunity for minor repairs by Peter. Dayle welcomed and had cyclists sign in after using hand sanitizer. Steve and David installed bike bells and Alina educated on the safe use of Brampton’s paths. Brampton’s Trail User Safety poster enhanced the message.
Chinguacousy Park BikeWrx Pop-up Cafe – Aug 14th
Holding a BikeWrx Pop-up Cafe along Chinguacousy Trail beside such a busy park brought many families with children to the BikeBrampton booth. BikeBrampton members point out the new City of Brampton Trail User Safety poster. Peter and David performed some minor repairs, Steve again installed bells, and Alina and David C. encouraged cyclists to ride safely. Several of our Pedalwise proteges stopped by. The secret main attraction was a Praying Mantis, who seemed to adore our tablecloth and delight the kids.
Esker Lake Trail BikeWrx Pop-up Cafe – Aug 13th
BikeBrampton selected a location along Esker Lake Trail at the intersection of Par Lake North and the interim Vodden Street bike lanes for this beautiful summer mid-week evening. Some local families saw our tents from their backyards and came over to have Peter and David make some minor repairs. We displayed City of Brampton’s new Trail User Safety poster, installed bells, distributed trail maps and some Region of Peel swag. George stopped by with his new e-bike.
Somerset Drive Public School BikeWrx Pop-up Cafe – Jul 21st
BikeBrampton brought our BikeWrx Pop-up Cafe to a week night after dinner, to catch a different group cycling along Etobicoke Creek Trail. 52 signed in for minor bike repairs by Gerald and Peter, Brampton route maps and installation of Region of Peel free bells. After a bit of a slow start at 6pm, the final hour was very busy!
Duggan Park BikeWrx Pop-up Cafe – Jul 12th
BikeBrampton welcomed 58+ cyclists to “ring their bell” for good path etiquette on Saturday morning. Those without a bell had one installed. Peter and Gerald worked full-out for 2 hours on minor bike repairs. Everyone complied with hand sanitization and our requests for physical distancing. Councillor Santos stopped by to survey the event! This was a perfect location along the Etobicoke Creek Trail at the new Vodden Street bike lanes.
The Journey, Ardglen BikeWrx Pop-up Cafe – Jun 27th
Kevin from The Journey welcomed BikeBrampton back into their parking lot for our first outdoor event. We set up the borrowed City of Brampton tent and had invited folks to come by appointment as we tested out our new health and safety plan. Our local community bike mechanic Joe joined Peter and Gerald as the bike stands were set up 2m apart. Steve dropped by to volunteer, and some of our familiar BikeBrampton members George and Yvon showed up. Several of our Pedalwise protégés made appointments. It felt wonderful to see so many friends. Even the landlord welcomed us with a box of samosas!
Here are handy tips for using Brampton COVID-19 bike lanes. These are good safety messages for cycling in traffic!
This video shows how to safely enter and exit the bike lanes from intersections and adjacent pathways.
Avoid the dreaded “Right Hook” at Intersections
Cyclists must be constantly aware of their surroundings, especially at intersections. A vehicle making a right turn may not see, or may misjudge the speed of the cyclist. This is the greatest possibility for the “right hook”. Assume the driver does not see you. Slow down, even if you have a green light and the right of way. Do a shoulder check to see if a vehicle is signalling to turn right or even if you THINK they might turn right. If the traffic light is red, you can stop at the end of the COVID-19 construction barrels, short of the intersection. If you are more confident, you can approach the intersection stop line and take the lane. If you are still more confident, you can move to the left side of the curb lane at the stop line to allow vehicles indicating a right turn to make their turn on the red. Take the middle of the lane as the light changes to green to make sure no one passes you on the right.
Treat every driveway as an intersection! This is especially true at the driveway entrance/exit to retail stores and malls! As noted above, assume the vehicles will not see you and will misjudge your speed. Slow down and make eye contact with the driver. You can choose to wave them through, especially if you are not sure they are stopping for you to proceed. Similarly, assume the drivers exiting the mall will not see you.
Passing in the COVID-19 bike lanes
The Brampton COVID-19 bike lanes are not wide enough to pass another cyclist, leaving 6′ (2 metres) of distance. They are also not designed as a race course. Some of the users may not have ever cycled on the road before. If you come up behind a slower cyclist and want to pass, do a shoulder check to make sure the traffic lane is clear, signal left and pull out from between the construction barrels to pass. When you have cleared the cyclist by at least two bike lengths, signal right and carefully pull back between the barrels into the bike lane.
There is no parking in the COVID-19 bike lanes. Use the same procedure as above to safely pass a vehicle.
When the illegally parked vehicle is narrower, there might appear to be room to pass the vehicle by staying within the COVID-19 construction barrel lane. You should only do so if you can clearly see that there is no one in the driver seat. The driver could give you the “DOOR PRIZE”, by opening their door just as you try to pass! Door prizes and right hooks are the dreaded two-some for lack of attention when cycling in traffic! It may be the driver’s fault, but the cyclist pays the price.
Yield to Buses
Brampton reduced the number of bus stops along Vodden Street during the COVID-19 emergency. Note the installation of ‘bike yield to bus’ signs at bus stop shelters. Construction barrels end shortly before the bus stop, so buses can pull up to the curb. Cyclists should shoulder check as they approach bus stops and yield if a bus is coming. This is standard practice for cycling and driving on any street. Transit has the Right of Way.
Note the cyclist on the sidewalk in the above photo. Although this is illegal in Brampton, cyclists routinely do this if they don’t feel safe sharing the road. Only kids’ bikes with wheel bases of less than 50 cm are permitted on sidewalks. During COVID-19 emergency, an adult riding on the sidewalk is a problem for keeping a safe physical distance from pedestrians. These bike lanes will encourage cyclists to get off the sidewalk!
Don’t block the Bike lane
If you need to stop, be courteous and pull up onto the boulevard so you don’t block the bike lane.
Use the COVID-19 Bike Network Map to find your way
Thirty of these COVID-19 Bike Network Maps have been placed along the interim bike lanes and the loops to essential services. This stylized map shows “you are here”, plus the network of adjacent streets and pathways. Check out this blog postwith links to the interactive city map. It allows you to zoom in for precise route planning to your essential destination.
Before and After on Vodden Street – a feeling of safety and comfort
Before the COVID-19 bike lanes on Vodden Street, we seldom saw anyone cycling, except confident riders. Since the bike lanes were installed, we have noticed much more ridership within the protection of the interim construction barrels. Interestingly, there are more people walking on the sidewalks too. Perhaps the barrier of a bike lane separating pedestrians from the 4-5 lanes of traffic makes people feel more comfortable. This is part of the concept of a “Complete Street” for all road users.
Suddenly, we have Families with Children cycling on Vodden Street!
Essential Cycling Trips on Vodden Street COVID-19 bike lanes
More people are using bikes for essential travel — to work, instead of taking transit, to appointments and for essential trips.
The grocery bag indicates this cyclist has been out for an essential trip!
City of Brampton – an Early Adopter!
Share the Road Cycling Coalition, and TCAT hosted a webinar on April 22, 2020, where BikeBrampton, City of Brampton staff and Councillor Santos presented our experiences on Making Space for Physical Distancing. Here is the link to the webinar video recording. Share the Road has created a new webpage that is full of helpful resources on Rebalancing Streets.
BikeBrampton offers their thanks to our volunteer cycling members, Mayor Patrick Brown, Council, especially AT champion Councillor Rowena Santos, Brampton Staff, including Transportation Planning, Traffic Services, Communications and all the various departments that have made these COVID-19 bike lanes come to life so quickly and efficiently!
Brampton’s new COVID-19 bike network interactive map shows loops for planning essential grocery, pharmacy and medical trips from the interim bike lanes along Vodden Street and Howden Boulevard.
Mayor Patrick Brown unveiled the new map in City Hall on Apr 22nd. The press conference was covered by CP24 TV with this video link. Mayor Brown said in response to a question, “in this term of Council, you are going to see record investment in active transportation because we believe in it… cities are for people not cars”.
Look for Mayor Brown’ remarks starting at the 11:10 mark in the video link, where he unveils the map. Following that, is the announcement by Councillor Gurpreet Dhillon and remarks by the lead Councillor on the file, Rowena Santos. David Laing, Chair of BikeBrampton made his remarks (shown below) starting at the 14:53 mark. Subsequently, Mayor Brown took questions from the media.
Brampton Interim Bike Lanes – bicycle-friendly loops interactive map
The above Brampton bicycle-friendly loops map can be accessed online from City of Brampton’s website. It is an interactive GIS map that can be zoomed in for more detail. The tags on the right margin are map layers that can be clicked and unclicked to pinpoint the essential services that are located along the network loops from the interim bike lanes. You can use the interactive map for planning your essential trips.
David Laing’s remarks at Brampton City Hall press conference:
“My name is David Laing, chair of BikeBrampton, representing the cycling community. Today marks the 50th anniversary of first Earth Day celebration. It is therefore fitting that, while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a crisis felt around the world, it is also today providing a catalyst for what may be lasting and positive change that may well help us avert the worst effects of a climate catastrophe the likes of which would make COVID-19 pale by comparison.
The interim bike lanes provide a long-awaited and much needed safer cycling corridor for those needing to travel east – west through the City’s centre. The maps combine with this spine to create an active transportation network along less busy roads that will connect people to places where they work, buy groceries, buy medications, and avail themselves of other essential products and services. This past Monday, I saw a cyclist in the bike lane riding on Vodden, west of Centre St. It was interesting that when he got to the end of the bike lane at Ken Whillans Drive, he immediately reverted to the sidewalk, which is both illegal and makes it impossible for him to practice safe social distancing with other cyclists and pedestrians.
I want to thank City staff, especially those in Transportation Planning and Traffic Services, for moving heaven and earth to get the lanes and the maps done quickly and efficiently. I’ve learned there is much more to this process than painting a few signs and dropping some construction barrels on a road!
In this time of hardship and social isolation, when we are frightened for our own health, and that of loved ones, and when so many are without a pay cheque, I want to thank Mayor Brown, Councillor Santos and the rest of Council for providing decisive leadership, for being empathetic to our situation, for recognizing how important it is for us to be able to be outside for exercise and recreation, for recognizing the need to provide more public space to allow for proper physical distancing for walkers and cyclists and for recognizing the need to provide us with transportation options that will both save us money and increase our chances of staying healthy.”
Mayor Patrick Brown said, “I’m glad Brampton is a leader in active transportation and I hope other cities will follow.”
To help protect the health and safety of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Brampton is implementing interim bike lanes along the Vodden Street corridor. These routes will provide an alternative cycling option to recreational trails for residents, and allow cyclists to maintain physical distancing.
(photo credit: City of Brampton)
As of Saturday, April 18, Brampton is temporarily closing off curb lanes to vehicular traffic along the following sections of road and repurposing the lanes for bicycle use only:
Vodden Street – Ken Whillans Drive to Howden Boulevard
Howden Boulevard – Vodden Street to Central Park Drive
Vehicular traffic in Peel Region is down 33 per cent as a result of COVID-19, giving the City a unique opportunity to showcase a part of the planned East-West Cycling Corridor to provide cyclists a safe connection to essential amenities and the City’s trail network.
The ‘Big Ask’
In collaboration with City Staff, Bike Brampton and the Bikeport by Kevin Montgomery developed the “Big Ask” Report. It was delegated to Committee of Council on Apr 3, 2019. The Vodden Street corridor was the east-west route selected for bike lanes. See Agenda pages 29-62 for the delegation slides and pages 63-116 for the report. Report pdf link also below. Youtube of delegation starts at 52 minutes and ends at 1:38.45. Vodden Street Cycling Staff report went back to Council, May 29, 2019.
“As we continue to navigate this unprecedented time, our residents remain our top priority. I am proud to say that Brampton is reconfiguring streets and repurposing traffic lanes to give cyclists and pedestrians more room to maintain physical distancing. I encourage people to continue to follow physical distancing recommendations and remain as active and healthy as possible under these trying circumstances.” – Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Brampton believes in promoting, supporting and implementing active transportation to keep our city moving. Given this Covid-19 emergency, we must now more than ever ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, and cars maintain a safe distance apart. As a cyclist myself, I am proud of our collaborative efforts with the community to make these temporary bike lanes happen and we look forward to implementing permanent solutions in the near future.” – Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Member, Cycling Advisory Committee
“The City is temporarily reallocating road space for cyclists to keep residents healthy and active while maintaining physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. With less traffic on our roads, we hope to provide a positive and safe experience for anyone wanting to ride a bicycle during this time.” – David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton
“In this time of isolation, an important part of how my wife and I maintain our physical and mental wellbeing is by riding our bikes to buy essentials and for exercise. I am grateful to Mayor Brown, Councillor Santos, all of Brampton Council and City staff who understand the need and are dedicating important public space for a bike lane that will reduce the pressure on pathways, so we can all get outside while meeting the requirement for physical distancing.” – David Laing, Chair, BikeBrampton
Interim Bike Lane FYI
General Information
Public health authorities advise that moderate exercise can help keep our immune systems stronger.
The temporary bike lanes are intended to provide a safe space for people of all ages and abilities who want to ride a bike for exercise, or to access essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacy, medical appointments, and essential jobs.
The temporary lanes have been set up to relieve pressure on crowded recreational trails.
Only bikes with wheel bases below 50cm (children’s size bikes) are allowed to be ridden on sidewalks in Brampton.
When using the road, cyclists are subject to the same rules as motor vehicle drivers.
Using the Interim Lanes
The temporary bike lanes are one-directional. Ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic, and obey all traffic signs and signals.
Cyclists must keep a safe distance, a minimum of 2 bike lengths if from different households.
Passing another cyclist should be avoided, unless you can safely move out into the lane of traffic to clear the cyclist in front of you while maintaining a width of 2 metres (6 feet).
Use hand signals to indicate your intention to left or right, and to stop.
Do your shoulder check before you make a turn to make sure the way is clear.
Beware of drivers entering and exiting driveways. They may not easily see you. Slow down and be prepared to stop quickly.
Even when you have the right of way with a green light, pay attention to your surroundings and do not assume that others will stop at red lights.
Especially pay attention at intersections to make sure that drivers are not turning right. Remember, they may not see you.
Sound your bell. By Ontario law, you should have a bell or horn.
If you need to stop somewhere other than at an intersection, signal your stop and pull over, up onto the curb, so you can safely let other cyclists pass you keeping the physical distance.
COVID 19 Precautions
Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you.
Wash your hands before you start your trip.
If you touch a signal crossing button, use your elbow, not your hand.
If you need to cough or sneeze, use your arm or sleeve. Do not spit or blow your nose without a tissue
Clean your bike frame with a soapy cloth at the end of the ride.
Wash your hands when you finish your trip.
BikeBrampton working with Brampton Council & Staff
We would like to thank Mayor Patrick Brown and Councillor Rowena Santos (Council representative for Brampton Cycling Advisory Committee) for their support and leadership. Staff has moved mountains to implement these interim lanes quickly during the pandemic. A special thanks to Transportation Planning, who sees the ‘big picture’ of Complete Streets for all in Brampton.
Special thanks to Traffic Services for installing the bike lanes. (photo credit: Lisa Stokes) They also changed traffic signals along the route to automatically display ‘walk’ with the green light — less need for us to touch the ‘beg’ button! They are continuing to install more signage and monitor the spacing of cones.
This curb ramp makes entrance and exit off the Etobicoke Creek Trail safer than ‘bumping down’ from the high curb. These ramps, along with signage and yellow bollards, are located at all the trail openings adjacent to the new bike lanes. Approach with caution to get the angle right!
As the weather warms, there will be increased use of Brampton extensive system of pathways. These bike lanes will help relieve pressure on the paths, as well as make it easier to cycle for essential trips to groceries, pharmacies and medical centres. Exercise is an important component of our physical and mental health. Cycling may be a preferred option for short trips to essential work and help workers get fresh air instead of taking transit.
Need refresher skills to use your bike with confidence?
Check out the Brampton Bike Hub, part of the CCP (Community Cycle Program), operated by BikeBrampton and PCHS on behalf of Region of Peel. We are operating virtually right now. We have a bike lending library. Check back with us for borrowing a bike, as we are out of bikes now.
Winners of Pedalwise Summer/Fall Carbon Reduction Challenge announced
The purpose of the Carbon Reduction Challenge was to encourage Brampton Bike Hub’s Pedalwise protégés to use their bikes as often as possible to get to destinations. The Challenge did its job and then some!
Congratulate the winners at the Official Opening of Brampton Bike Hub’s bike cage on Wed Dec 19th 6:30pm at 50 Sunny Meadow Blvd, Unit 108. Ceremony begins at 7pm in underground parking, accessed from main lobby elevator. Bike cage sponsored by Region of Peel ‘Healthy Living Supports and PCHS.
These protégés rode at least 10% more between July 1st to October 31st than they did between January 1st to June 30th. That was in terms of number of trips cycled and kilometres ridden. Even for those who cycled very little in the first half of 2018, the minimum challenge was 11 rides and 110km.
Grand Prize Distance Winners:
Jason 3,553km
Heidi 1,124km
Peggy 767km
These protégés cycled the farthest distance during the contest period.
Grant Prize Percentage Winners:
Ewa 810%
Alexandra 179%
Peggy 68%
These protégés really stepped up their game during the summer and fall, and cycled much more than they had in the first half of the year.
Brampton Bike Hub is teaching how to make minor BikeWrx bike repairs every Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm at 50 Sunny Meadow Blvd Unit 108.
BikeBrampton is partnering with PCHS to bring the Brampton Bike Hub’s Pedalwise and BikeWrx programs.
Despite a cold January, both experienced cyclists and those who want some help through our Pedalwise program, have been coming out to tune up their bikes and socialize. After a rousing discussion about how best to dress for winter comfort, we turned to practical tasks, like changing bike pedals from shoe clips to sturdier platforms for cycling with winter boots.
Fixing a Flat Tire
BikeWrx bike repair mechanic Peter taught us how to fix a flat tire. You want a method that gets you on the road again quickly with minimal fuss. What essential tools and supplies should you carry? Our 6-module bike repair training is underway. However, you can join in any time and pick up missed modules when the sequence begins again, to gain a certificate of completion.
Brakes and Derailleurs
BikeWrx bike repair mechanic Gerald explained how to check and adjust our brakes. We want to be able to stop quickly anytime, and especially in winter conditions.
Lots of humour as Gerald explained the basic points we need to know.
We intently examine how the gears shift smoothly when the derailleur is adjusted properly.
Let’s give it a try… nothing like hands-on practice to gain confidence!
See you out on Wednesday evenings! Here is the link to the schedule and more details about the program.
You must be logged in to post a comment.