ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: September 6, 2000
Author/Local:D.M. Henderson
RTS No. 01681
CC File No. 5761
Council: September 26, 2000
TO: |
Vancouver City Council |
FROM: |
General Manager of Engineering Services |
SUBJECT: |
Cyclist Safety - Traffic Control Signals |
RECOMMENDATION
THAT funds in the amount of $10,000, available from the Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account No. 30000130 - Bicycle Network, be approved as the City contribution to a project managed by the Transportation Association of Canada to develop guidelines for the design and operation of cyclist traffic control signals.
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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