policyenthusiast
Active Member
I'm a fan of this idea, makes a bike-friendly approach to integrate the 111 ave and 107 ave routes without putting cyclists on the major roadways. Here's what the City is planning for the area.
Edit: forgot the legend.
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- Thread starter Daveography
- Start date
Edit: forgot the legend.
dkazzed
Active Member
114 Ave already has a MUP between the CN Rail MUP and Groat Road.
Protected bicycle infrastructure more about attracting new and casual riders who's definition of safe infrastructure is very different than seasoned cyclists. And while we may have new and casual riders in mind, all riders benefit.
Protected bicycle infrastructure more about attracting new and casual riders who's definition of safe infrastructure is very different than seasoned cyclists. And while we may have new and casual riders in mind, all riders benefit.
northlands
Senior Member
All the more reason!
I will say though, I really dislike MUPs the way they built that section. Pedestrians don't expect anything fast moving and assume they are simply wide sidewalks. I don't visit this thread often so I am probably just repeating frustrations
dkazzed
Active Member
I did observe that while riding there, moreso than other MUPs. I transitioned to the quiet adjacent road near the senior complex.
I do ponder almost daily what is the best way to safely pass pedestrians without startling them. Half of the people don't hear my bell, even without headphones on, and half are startled nearly to death. Only a small fraction of pedestrians just wave me by to acknowledge my presence. I generally slow down to 5-10 when passing kids, very elderly, and dogs, 15-20 when passing everyone else (smaller number coming from behind, bigger number going the other way). I aim to ring my bell and announce which side I'm passing on 3-5 seconds before passing them. Someone must've done a study on what works best.
I do ponder almost daily what is the best way to safely pass pedestrians without startling them. Half of the people don't hear my bell, even without headphones on, and half are startled nearly to death. Only a small fraction of pedestrians just wave me by to acknowledge my presence. I generally slow down to 5-10 when passing kids, very elderly, and dogs, 15-20 when passing everyone else (smaller number coming from behind, bigger number going the other way). I aim to ring my bell and announce which side I'm passing on 3-5 seconds before passing them. Someone must've done a study on what works best.
policyenthusiast
Active Member
Small arms fire.
northlands
Senior Member
I wonder if they painted a yellow centre line down that MUP, as goofy as that might look, if that would create a psychological cue for pedestrians to stay more aware of cyclists. Anyone who has lived in Edmonton for awhile recognizes the black asphalt with yellow centre line as MUP paths where cyclists or scooters may pass by anytime. That 114th MUP doesn't give that impression whatsoever
yeggator
Active Member
Quite a simple but very effective solution that instinctively gets people to keep right as much as possible except to pass others.
TagYEG
New Member
I 100% agree that this is for future Blatchford connectivity, which is needed.
I already use 113 ST as a route to bike to and from work, so I am quite happy about this new infrastructure. To those that don't understand the importance of such connections, or why they are necessary, one very nice benefit of these lanes will be auto bike detectors in the road that will trip the signals for cyclists crossing 111 AV and 107 AV. This to me alone is a huge win. I used to take the 104 ST bike lane across 107 AV and it is an amber flasher intersection and is not particularly safe for any user. I with the City would upgrade that signal to be triggered by bikes.
em84
New Member
The hill from Brookside down to Fox Drive will close August 11 for upgrades which will take until "Fall 2025" per the city website (I think the sign posted at the bottom of the hill may have had a slightly more detailed timeframe but I only had a quick glance at it as I rode by so I'm not sure). Disappointing as I ride this hill frequently and the suggested detour is rather extensive. I almost always use the hill to get to Keillor Rd though so detouring via the Whitemud over to Lansdowne and then up is almost as fast. The Whitemud route is pretty unpleasant with the construction but I guess now that they are shifting to the other side of the bridge it should be much better. I hope the new Rainbow Valley footbridge adjacent to the Whitemud is opening soon if they are now done the westbound side too.
I wonder what the "upgrade" to the Brookside hill will consist of? The trail is a bit rough in some sections particularly near the bottom so a new surface is in order but I wonder if there may be more in the works, particularly due to what seems to me to be a long timeframe for a trail revitalization. Does anyone know more?
I wonder what the "upgrade" to the Brookside hill will consist of? The trail is a bit rough in some sections particularly near the bottom so a new surface is in order but I wonder if there may be more in the works, particularly due to what seems to me to be a long timeframe for a trail revitalization. Does anyone know more?
thommyjo
Senior Member
It’s great you feel comfortable. Many don’t. A few benefits of dedicated cycling infrastructure:
1) safety for all ages and abilities. Many adults are chill to ride on quieter residential streets. But do I want my 9 year old on 113st without protection? No. Could he ride on the sidewalk? Sure. But if I’m with him, am I now on the sidewalk too? What’s happens when turning at intersections?
2) wayfinding. Endless grid streets are fine if you know where you’re going. But then can also dump you out on major roads with 0 protection. Dedicated bike lanes/paths ideally connect you to the “next” infrastructure. Ex: 121st has bike lanes, that connect you to Victoria promenade, with protected bike lanes. If you were on 120st going south though, you’d miss Victoria promenade and end up on 7+ lanes off hell called jasper ave. Biking east on jasper ave vs Victoria promenade is very different for safety.
3) winter useage. Dedicated lanes are protected from the pack/freeze/thaw of residential streets in winter than make many neighborhoods un-bikeable for many days of the winter. I live in such a community, where I’m forced to bike sidewalks with sketchy road crossings every block, often requiring dismounting, just to get to an eventual bike path that’s maintained.
4) dedicated lanes are used by wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices that feel less safe randomly on the road with cars (they’re often slower than bikes).
5) dedicated lanes help notify drivers to be more aware at crossings. And crossings can be given sensors/buttons to help bikes at busy streets.
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thommyjo
Senior Member
So the province can force their removal like what’s happening in Toronto and Calgary?
thommyjo
Senior Member
This is needed in more places. 2 way painted bike lines and then a walking section. Extra wide MUPs.
ntt1
Active Member
Too bad there aren't really more old rural roads like the Wedgewood Ravine where this could come to fruition.
thommyjo
Senior Member
Most MUPs in our central river valley should move in this direction where space exists I think. On summer weekends it gets sketchy.
But I’m sure paint is annoying to maintain and things like varying surface materials up costs a lot too. So idk.
ntt1
Active Member
On that point about the river valley, it could just be me, but the River Valley Road shared-use path from the Menzies bridge to the Groat bridge feels a bit wider than the McKinnon Ravine section and the part connecting the Menzies bridge and Walterdale Bridge.