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 

What does the pilot network look like?

Separated cycling facilities can be made “separate” by a number of different treatments including using bollards with or without a curb or planter boxes. They help distinguish the area for cycling from motor vehicle traffic.  Different types of separation have been constructed along the network – learn more about the different types of separation below. 

Erb Street East / West (Caroline Street North – Peppler Street)

University Avenue West (Seagram Drive – King Street North)

Albert Street (Seagram Drive – University Avenue West)

Columbia Street West (Hagey Boulevard – Albert Street)

Columbia Street West (Albert Street – King Street North)

King Street North (University Avenue West – Columbia Street West)

How do you use them right now?

Once all of the intersection markings are installed in Spring 2020, there will be some new movements to learn when approaching certain intersections.
In the interim, the diagrams below will help cyclist navigate the new intersections until the new markings are installed. 

Dismount crossing

Until the intersection pavement markings are implemented in 2020, one way a cyclist can make a left turn at a signalized intersection is by dismounting and walking their bike across the two legs of the intersection. This is similar to how a pedestrian would get across the intersection. Once across the street, a cyclist would then get back on their bike and continue their trip.

Cyclist left turn

Another option of making a left turn at a signalized intersection is to merge into the vehicle travel lane where there is a break in the physical separation in the bike lane, well in advance of the intersection. When safe to do so, proceed to the left turn lane.  When the light is green and it is safe to proceed, travel through the intersection and carry out the left turn.    .

Turning movements at King and Erb Streets

Right turn movement (yellow arrow) At the intersection of King/Erb, cyclists travelling eastbound along Erb Street West and wanting to turn right on to King Street North should move to the left at the intersection and wait, then proceed on to King Street (crossing Erb Street) when the light turns green.      Left turn movement (red arrow) At the intersection of King/Erb, cyclists travelling eastbound along Erb Street West and wanting to turn left on to King Street North may proceed on the green light, yielding to on-coming cyclists and turn left on to King Street.

Two-way bike lane left turn crossing

At the intersection of King/Erb, cyclists travelling westbound along Erb Street West and wanting to turn left on to King Street North, must proceed through the intersection (crossing King Street) on the green bike signal and enter the southbound cycle track. When the light on King Street is green, proceed through the intersection and into the southbound cycle track.

Trail connection from Erb Street to the Laurel Trail

Cyclists travelling eastbound along Erb Street East and wanting to turn right onto the Laurel Trail should travel to the end of the separated bike lane and turn left into the pedestrian and cyclist waiting area. When the bicycle signal is green, ride through the intersection and onto the Laurel Trail.

Trail connection from Laurel trail to Erb Street

Cyclists travelling from the Laurel Trail and waiting to connect to the separated bike lanes on Erb Street West should dismount and walk their bike across Caroline Street North. Once across the street, proceed to the separated bike lane.

Maintaining separated cycling facilities

The separated cycling network pilot project is new for Regional staff as well as residents. Our staff are learning how to maintain the separated cycling facilities over the course of the next 18 months and we appreciate your understanding and support during this time. The Region is committed to creating a safe and comfortable riding experience for all – the following are some things the Region is doing to maintain the facilities throughout the winter:

• Plowing the separated bike lanes
• Applying salt and sand to improve traction in winter conditions
• Removing snow from the separated bike lanes (and road right-of-way)

The maintenance contractor will be on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week over the winter period and will maintain the separated cycling facilities to the same standard as the adjacent driving lane for motor vehicles.

Tips for safe winter cycling

Cycling in the winter is very different and can mean that changes need to be made to what you wear, how you ride and when you ride. The following are some tips on how to ride safely in the winter:

• Wear layer and protect your extremities

When cycling in the winter, you likely already have clothes needed to ride comfortably in the winter months. Winter cycling can be made more comfortable by wearing many different layers, particularly articles of clothing that protect your hands, ears, and feet. It’s important that you have a good pair of gloves or mitts for your hands, warm boots for your feet, and a toque or headband/earmuffs to protect your head and ears. Your experience can be made more comfortable by opting for eye protection, by choosing to use ski goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes from strong winds or the sun’s reflection off of the snow.

• Look after your bicycle

Cycling in the winter exposes your bike to road salt, which can contribute to rust development on bikes. You should clean your bike regularly, rinsing off any salt or grime that has accumulated during your time riding. Choosing to install front and rear fenders can help to prevent slush and water from flying up your back, making for a cleaner ride. In the winter, wider, knobbier tires can provide increased traction for riding on snow and ice. Studded tires provide additional traction, particularly in icy conditions.

• Research your route

While the separated cycling network will be plowed and maintained this winter, not all bike lanes and trails that connect to it will be. It’s important that you research the route that you are planning to take to see whether the connecting bike lane or trail is being maintained in the winter. The City of Waterloo’s Snow Removal webpage provides more information on which trails are maintained over the winter months.

• Stay bright!

With days getting shorter, it’s important that you make yourself visible to other road users. This includes ensuring that your bike is equipped with a working headlight and taillight, and that you incorporate reflective gear to your clothing, panniers, backpack or helmet. Ensuring that your bike is well lit and that you’re traveling with reflective gear, helps to stay visible at night and during periods of inclement weather.  

• Adjust your riding

You should take the following into consideration when riding your bike in the winter:

• Ride slowly and brake early in advance of a stop sign or signalized intersection
• Reduce your tire pressure to increase the surface area of your tires and improve traction
• Drink warm liquids during your ride and be sure to remove all water bottles from your bicycle when it is parked outside
• Change gears regularly to minimize snow build up on your chain and gears

 Timeline

Now that the separated cycling network pilot is open, it’s time for us to start learning. Over the course of the next 18 months we will be monitoring the use of the network and engaging you on how you have used the facilities and if and how they should be improved. The network will be adapted over the course of the project based on user input, data / information gathered and new maintenance and operation practices.  

Due to the early arrival of colder than normal temperatures, and wet and snowy conditions, the on-road intersection markings will be installed when the temperature warms up in Spring 2020.

The pilot project is anticipated to be completed in Winter 2021. Once completed the Region will review the findings to confirm how to proceed with the facilities.