Community News

CITY LOOKS TO EXPAND SYDENHAM BIKE ACCESS

USERS SUGGEST CYCLING FUNDING COULD BE PUT TO BETTER USE IN OTHER AREAS OF COMMUNITY

CRAIG CAMPBELL ccampbell@hamiltonnews.com

City of Hamilton staff said it wants to open Sydenham Road hill to more cyclists, in response to early community feedback that planned cycling infrastructure up and down the hill may not be the best use of $1.7 million in funding.

"The Sydenham hill has long been used by sport cyclists," said city spokesperson Michelle Shantz. "The goal of adding dedicated lanes and separated cycling facilities is to open up this route as an option to people with greater range of cycling skills."

Shantz said the project does not include sidewalks. She said implementation is scheduled for this year, despite some concern in

the community about the work proceeding during closure of the King Street West-Hwy. 8 escarpment access for road and bridge reconstruction until Dec. 2022. Sydenham to Harvest Road and Hwy. 5 is a key detour during the Hwy. 8 closure.

"Traffic impacts are anticipated to be minimal and short in duration," Shantz said.

Dundas resident and cyclist Will Fisher provided detailed feedback to city transportation staff in a 2,000 word letter summarizing concerns with the proposed bike lanes.

He said he had not heard back from city staff, beyond acknowledgment of his submission, as of Jan. 15.

But when informed of the city's response that the goal is to open Sydenham hill to a wider range of cyclists, Fisher said road sport cyclists currently using Sydenham should be consulted, as should other cyclists to see if they are interested in using Sydenham bike lanes.

"I'd be curious to hear their thoughts," Fisher said.

Fisher compared installing bike lanes on Sydenham in hopes of encouraging a broader user base to installing a staircase on Mt. Everest for the same purpose.

"The people currently going up and down don't need it," he said.

Fisher said he understands the project is wellintentioned, and the idea is to encourage cycling, but some strategic thinking is necessary to consider different approaches.

"Each approach will have implications, and it's important to determine which option nets the best result for the users," he said. "Consulting with various members of the community and more specifically the cycling community, will help to assemble a comprehensive list of concerns like the ones I have expressed that otherwise may be overlooked."

Fisher has also been in contact with local cycling group Dundas Rides, and he noted the group has requested the city prioritize bike lanes on Old Ancaster Road and Ogilvie Street to improve safety and connectivity.

Dundas Rides formally requested in November that the city expedite recommended cycling infrastructure on Old Ancaster and Ogilvie, near Dundana School and HamiltonBrantford Rail Trail, to Hatt Street — following a hit-and-run collision where a cyclist was injured.

"This seems like a more reasonable location for this type of infrastructure to me as well," Fisher said.

William Oates, a member of Dundas Rides and Hamilton Cycling Committee, said cycling infrastructure on Ogilvie and Old Ancaster or York Road would be more frequently used by vulnerable cyclists than infrastructure on Sydenham will.

"Just seems like spending that much money on that cycling infrastructure would be a large wasted opportunity," Oates said.

In his letter to city staff, Fisher states providing safe cycling routes and bicycle parking at retail locations in Dundas will encourage new riders and provide opportunities to try riding to local destinations instead of driving.

"I cannot help but continue to think of alternative ways to spend the $1.7-million budget that will provide safer infrastructure for cycling in areas that require it more than Sydenham," Fisher states.

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2022-01-20T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-01-20T08:00:00.0000000Z

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