ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

TO:

Vancouver City Council

FROM:

General Manager of Engineering Services

SUBJECT:

Cyclist Safety - Traffic Control Signals

 

RECOMMENDATION

POLICY

Council has established cycling as a priority transportation mode. The City Transportation Plan includes a major component on cycling issues.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to inform Council of a study of guidelines for cyclist traffic control signals which has been proposed by the Transportation Association of Canada.

BACKGROUND

The City is a member of the Transportation Association of Canada, which has, as part of its mandate, the coordination and management of applied research for transportation. Research topics cover a broad range of issues such as transportation policy development, movement of persons and goods by a variety of transportation modes, roadway infrastructure, environmental issues and traffic safety and operation, etc.

In the past several years, the Transportation Association of Canada, through the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control, has produced several reports that are used on aregular basis as resource material by the Engineering Department. The preparation of the documents is usually assigned to a consulting team which is managed by volunteers from the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control (including City staff) and staff from the Transportation Association of Canada. The following is a partial list of recently developed applicable publications:

· Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (1998, revised 2000). The preparation of this manual was chaired by Don Henderson

· Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood Traffic Calming (1999)

· Bikeway Traffic Control Guidelines (1999)

· In-Line Skating Review (1997)

· Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads (1999)

Bikes are becoming a larger component of roadway traffic and the need for clear signing, pavement marking and signal control is essential for safe, efficient and comfortable operation. The Bikeway Traffic Control Guidelines provide information on signing and pavement marking. The proposed study would develop guidelines for cyclist traffic control signals.

The City strongly supports cycling as a vital mode of travel that assists in providing for future trip growth, in supporting a healthier environment, and providing for recreation opportunities. Cycling facilities in the various configurations provide for over 150 kilometres of designated routes which accommodate in excess of 6000 cyclist trips in a typical weekday. Vancouver with its temperate climate and compact urban structure is an ideal location to expect an increase in cycling. The development of guidelines for cyclist traffic control signals will benefit the City by:

· providing an opportunity to play an active role in the preparation of emerging standards

· establishing a consistent approach with other Canadian jurisdictions

The study is estimated to cost approximately $50,000. Funding from the overall Transportation Association of Canada will not be available for this project in the next couple of years. In order to proceed with the work now, an alternative funding arrangement has been proposed. Directly affected agencies are being requested to fund the project, therefore expediting the delivery of the final guidelines manual for cyclist traffic control signals.

To date, the following contributions toward the preparation of cyclist traffic control signals have been received:

· Montreal - $10,000

· Toronto - $10,000

· Ottawa/Carleton - $10,000

· Halifax - $5,000

· Waterloo - $2,500

With a Vancouver contribution of a suggested $10,000, the project is expected to be initiated at an early date. Funds are available for this purpose in the Streets Basic Capital Program, Bicycle Network section. Results will be reported back to the TAC Chief Engineers Council, on which the City is represented, and back to City Council.

CONCLUSION

This report supports Vancouver's participation in the funding and management of this project that will assist in providing for bicycle travel in a safe, efficient and comfortable manner.

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