The Plains Road Protected Bikeway and Resurfacing Project will be implementing the use of protected cycling facilities including Cross-Rides, Cycle Tracks and Protected Intersections.
Cross-Rides |
What are cross-rides? Similar to crosswalks for pedestrians, they allow cyclists to safely cross intersections and remain on their bikes . They are generally connected to dedicated cycling facilities such as segregated bike lanes, cycle tracks and other cycling infrastructure. Cross-rides will allow cyclists to travel in one direction or both directions. How do cross-rides work? Cross-rides are essentially crosswalks for bikes. At these intersections, the cross-ride may be identified with thick painted blocks on either side, sometimes enhanced with arrowed bicycle stencils and/or green paint.
Cross-Ride Tips for Cyclists
Cross-Ride Tips for Drivers
Cross-Ride Tips for Pedestrians
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Cycle Tracks |
What are cycle tracks? Cycle tracks are dedicated cycling facilities that are located alongside the road but are physically separated from vehicular traffic by either a curb or buffer space. Depending on the style of cycle track, they may be at the same or different level as the sidewalk. Cycle tracks are for cycling only and are generally different from sidewalks as they are made of asphalt, whereas sidewalks are made of concrete. Cycle tracks are usually one-way and follow the direction of traffic. At intersections, cycle tracks may:
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What are the advantages of cycle tracks?
Key Messages for Road UsersCyclists
Drivers
Pedestrians
You can learn more about cycle tracks by watching this video: |
Protected Intersections |
To make intersections safer and more comfortable for people walking, cycling and driving or riding in motor vehicles, the City of Burlington is implementing the ‘protected intersection’ concept where feasible. The concept is based on a tested Dutch design that has been implemented throughout the United States and Canada. While protected bike lanes aren’t new to Burlington residents, the concept of protected intersections likely are. Protected intersections bring the physical protection of a protected bike lane to the intersection through a series of design elements that minimize conflicts from turning cars. The following short video (5 minutes) describes the design elements of a protected intersection and demonstrates how a protected intersection operates for both cyclists and motorists. Protected intersections provide dedicated space and crossings for pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles at an intersection with traffic lights. The design improves safety and comfort while minimizing potential conflicts by using the following key principles:
This is a raised area at the corner of the intersection that physically protects cyclists and pedestrians from turning vehicles. It provides a secure place for cyclists and pedestrians waiting at a red light and restricts the speed of right-turning vehicles.
When facing a red light, motorists must stop before the crosswalk (before the white painted bars), but cyclists yield to pedestrians as they approach the intersection and then stop at the curb. This advanced positioning makes cyclists and pedestrians more visible to motorists and allows cyclists and pedestrians a head start when the traffic light turns green. Finally, the forward stop bar decreases the distance across the road that cyclists and pedestrians need to cross.
The crossride and crosswalk is moved away from the vehicle travel lane to provide better visibility of cyclists and pedestrians for turning motorists. The design ensures that vehicles are at least partially turned before they cross the cyclists’ or pedestrians’ path. This positioning provides improved visibility, allows for eye-contact between motorists and cyclists or pedestrians, and provides time and space for turning motorists to yield to cyclists in the crossride or pedestrians in the crosswalk. |
Dedicated Bicycle signals |
There are a number of elements that can be built into traffic signal design, depending on the specific needs. Dedicated bicycle signal displays allow the display to be positioned for improved visibility by cyclists. Special bicycle signal phasing can be programmed to provide an advanced green for cyclists or to totally separate the movement of cyclists from that of motorists.
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Depending on the context of a particular intersection and the space available, it is possible to implement all or some of the elements of the protected intersection concept.
Across the city additional protected intersections are in various stages of planning and design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the protected bike lanes? |
The Ontario Highway Traffic says that all designated bike lanes, including protected bike lanes, are to be used by cyclists only. Motorcycles or e-bikes are not allowed to travel on the protected bicycle lanes. |
Do I have to ride in the protected bike lanes? |
As a cyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. For southbound cycling, there is no law that requires you to ride in the protected bike lane; however, it is recommended that you use the cycling facility. |
I am a defensive cyclist, where do I have to pay the most attention? |
The cycling facility has been designed to be comfortable and safe for cyclists and others, however, cyclists should pay attention especially to turning vehicles at intersections. Although cyclists may have the right of way to travel straight through the intersection, they should be aware of turning vehicles and prepare to slow down and stop if required. Southbound cyclists should shoulder check for left turning vehicles from the next lane on their right to avoid the "left hook" collision. Cyclists should note that trucks have large blind spots, so they should be extra careful when there is a truck in the next lane. |
Will the bike lanes be maintained in winter? |
Yes, the bike lanes will be maintained throughout the year. The pre-cast curbs, plastic poles and planter boxes will remain in place during the winter months and the bike lanes will be plowed to the same bare pavement standard as the motor vehicle travel lanes. |
How are pedestrians affected? |
The addition of the bikeway will result in several indirect benefits for pedestrians:
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Can I walk in the protected bike lanes? |
No. Just as cyclists are not to use sidewalks, pedestrians should not use bike lanes. |
How much will this cost? |
The estimated cost for design and construction is approximately $3.7M. |
As a motorist, how should I deal with protected bike lanes? |
Motorists are asked to drive with care by being respectful and courteous. Having more people travelling by bicycles means less congestion and pollution. |
As a cyclist, how should I use protected bike lanes? |
Cyclists are asked to ride with care by being respectful and courteous. There are many people who cannot ride a bicycle and who need to travel by car. |
Rob Stuart
Project Manager
Tel. 905-335-7600, ext.7519
robert.stuart@burlington.ca