Separated Cycling Lanes

 About the project

The linkages were selected through an identification and evaluation process. 

 Project objectives

The goal of the separated cycling network pilot project is to encourage more people to cycle in Waterloo Region and to determine the feasibility of establishing more permanent separated cycling facilities on roads throughout Waterloo Region. As part of the project, continuous monitoring and evaluation will be undertaken to determine the project's impacts on:

• The number of people cycling along the corridors
• The safety of all road users in the pilot project area
• Vehicular traffic and travel in the pilot project area

In order to improve understanding of the pilot project by all road users, the Region, in partnership with local committees and stakeholders will be undertaking a comprehensive education strategy over the course of the pilot project with the goal of: 

• Educating people on bikes on how to use the new separated cycling facilities; and
• Educating other transportation users on how to interact with the new separated cycling facilities.

 The Region will also:

• Track key implementation and maintenance challenges; and
• Report back on input received, lessons learned and next steps.

 What is a separated cycling facility?

Separated cycling facilities are designated bicycle lanes that are next to the roadway but physically separated from vehicular traffic. Separated cycling facilities can be made “separate” by a number of different treatments including using bollards or a roll curb.They help distinguish the area for cycling from motor vehicle traffic. The two images below are examples of what separated cycling facilities can look like.

Diagram of separated bike lane pilot at Erb and Regina streets in Waterloo

Diagram of separated bike lane pilot at University and Lester Avenues in Waterloo 

 Timeline