SUPPORTS ITEM NO.  1
   T&T COMMITTEE AGENDA
   JULY 29, 1997

                             ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

                                           Date:  10 July 1997
                                           Dept. File No. 3654
                                           CC File No.  5553/5767

   TO:       Standing Committee on Transportation and Traffic

   FROM:     General Manager of Engineering Services

   SUBJECT:  Proposed Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bicycle Route


   RECOMMENDATION

        A.   THAT the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bicycle Route be
             constructed as detailed in this report.

        B.   THAT $241,000 from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated
             Account 12/31/6903/999 (Bicycle Network) be allocated for
             construction of the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bike Route, and
             a further $122,500 be transferred from Streets Basic Capital
             Unappropriated Account 12/31/6903/999 (Bicycle Network) to
             reimburse Streets Basic Capital Unallocated Account
             12/31/6801/999 (Greenways Pilot Project).

        C.   THAT $50,000 from Greenways Basic Capital Unappropriated
             Account 12/31/6906/999 be allocated for the construction of a
             portion of the route and the installation of new lights along
             portions of the Ridgeway Greenway/Bikeway.

        D.   THAT staff work with Park Board staff to develop an
             appropriate bike route in the vicinity of Jones Park.

        E.   THAT the annual signal maintenance budget be increased by
             $10,000 for the maintenance of five new cyclist/ pedestrian
             actuated signals, the annual streets maintenance budget be
             increased by $5,000 for ten traffic circles and the sign
             maintenance budget be increased by $6,000 for approximately
             330 new signs proposed along the new bike route, all without
             offset, starting in 1998. The annual streets maintenance
             budget can be reduced by $400 for each traffic circle adopted
             by residents, for a total possible reduction of $4,000.

        F.   THAT staff investigate the possibility of upgrading the
             existing pedestrian actuated signal at West 37th Avenue and
             West Boulevard to a full signal, together with  appropriate
             traffic calming measures determined through community
             consultation.

        G.   THAT $30,000 from Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account
             12/31/6903/999 (Bicycle Network) be allocated for a
             comprehensive review of all existing bikeways.


   COUNCIL POLICY

   On May 27, 1997, Council approved the Vancouver Transportation Plan
   which emphasized the need to provide more comfortable cycling and
   walking environments.

   On June 27, 1996, Council approved the Ridgeway Greenway Pilot Project
   along 37th Avenue, between Granville and Knight Streets.

   On July 18, 1995, Council adopted the Vancouver Greenways Plan and
   identified the "Ridgeway" as the first on-street Greenway to be
   developed.

   On May 14, 1992, Council approved a City-wide bicycle route network with
   priority given to local street integration.

   The Vancouver Comprehensive Bicycle Plan (1988) and the Clouds of Change
   Report (1990) established the City's policy of promoting and encouraging
   cycling as a transportation alternative.


   PURPOSE

   The purpose of this report is to obtain approval for the implementation
   of the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bicycle Route.


   SUMMARY

   The Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bicycle Route project is a joint effort
   with Greenways.  This report summarizes the bicycle-related improvements
   along the entire route, including the Ridgeway Greenway Pilot Project
   section currently under construction.  Future reports will detail
   non-bicycle related improvements along the east and west extensions of
   the Ridgeway Greenway.


   The Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bicycle Route was developed in
   consultation with the neighbourhoods, Greenways and the Bicycle Network
   Subcommittee of the Bicycle Advisory Committee to Council. The proposed
   route, shown on the map in Appendix A, follows portions of West 39th
   Avenue, West 37th, East 37th, East 38th, Earles, East 29th and East 45th
   Avenues, between Camosun and Boundary Road.  The route, when completed,
   will connect the University of British Columbia at the western end to
   Burnaby at the eastern end and will link the Marine Drive, Cypress,
   Ridgeway, Heather, Ontario and BC Parkway Bikeways.

   It is proposed to modify some intersections for added comfort and safety
   for cyclists and to give priority to bikes along the route.  Traffic
   calming devices are recommended to slow traffic and discourage vehicle
   short-cutting through neighbourhoods.  Pavement repairs are also
   recommended to improve the riding surface.  New signals and
   cyclist-actuated push buttons are proposed at arterial street crossings
   to allow cyclists to cross safely.  Route signs, similar to the ones in
   use on existing bikeways, will be placed along the route.

   All residents living close to the route were surveyed in February, 1997
   for their opinion on the proposed bicycle route improvements.  Overall,
   approximately two thirds of the residents who responded supported the
   idea of a bike route through their neighbourhood.  However, residents
   living at the western end of the proposed route, particularly those in
   the last block of 37th Avenue, did not support the bike route on their
   street (only 16% agreed).  Residents expressed concerns about the safety
   of children attending Southlands School, increased congestion in their
   neighbourhood, fiscal constraint and potential disruption of local
   traffic patterns. 

   In response to this opposition, the City organized an Open House and
   invited area residents to attend to voice their concerns, as well as to
   suggest alternatives.  Based on survey responses, telephone calls,
   letters, petitions and the Open House comments received, a viable
   alternative for the western end of the bicycle route was identified and
   developed.  This alternative jogs the route from 37th Avenue south to
   39th Avenue at Collingwood to make use of the existing pedestrian signal
   at 39th and Dunbar.  In May, residents living in the area of the western
   leg of the route were re-surveyed for their opinion on the 39th Avenue
   Option.

   Based on all feedback received, staff recommend that the proposed
   Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bike Route be approved as detailed in this
   report with the route following 39th Avenue west of Collingwood Street.

   This route was called the Midtown Bicycle Route and the 37th Avenue
   Bicycle Route during the planning and consultation stages of the
   project; however, to avoid possible confusion, we suggest that the name
   be changed: the portions of the route that follow the Ridgeway Greenway
   will be called the Ridgeway Bikeway; the western leg will be called the
   37th Avenue Bikeway; and the northeastern leg will be called the 29th
   Avenue Bikeway.  For the purposes of this report the entire route will
   be referred to as the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bike Route or Bikeway.

   The total cost for the proposed improvements on the Ridgeway/37th/29th
   Avenue Bikeway is estimated at $623,500.  The 
   total cost will be offset by $200,000 from the Provincial Cycling 
   Network Program.  A further $10,000 has been previously allocated by
   Council for preliminary work.  Of the remaining $413,500, we are
   requesting in this report that $50,000 be allocated from Greenways
   Capital for some of the improvements along the Ridgeway portion of the
   proposed bike route, reducing the total for bicycle-related work to
   $363,500.  Approximately $122,500 of this work has been completed as
   part of the Ridgeway Greenway Pilot Project, and we are now requesting
   funds of this amount be transferred back to reimburse the Greenways
   account. Therefore, only $241,000 in new funds needs to be allocated for
   the implementation of the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bike Route.

   An additional $30,000 is also requested in this report to undertake a
   comprehensive review of all existing bikeways.  This will enable the
   finalizing and adjusting (if necessary) of all temporary traffic
   measures along the bikeways, and determining the effects of the bikeways
   on bicycle usage.  The review will also meet the obligations of the
   Cycling Network Program and the recommendations of the Transportation
   Plan.

   BACKGROUND

   The Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bicycle Route will be the third east/west
   route (after Adanac and Off-Broadway) to be developed in the City.  This
   route will improve links to popular destinations such as UBC and
   Burnaby, and will connect with the existing B.C. Parkway, Ontario,
   Heather and Cypress Bikeways and the S.W. Marine Bike Lanes.  This
   route, when added, will be an important crosstown route and will improve
   cycling conditions for both commuter and recreational cyclists.

   The Cycling Network Program was created by the Provincial Government in
   1995 as a cost-sharing program designed to encourage local
   municipalities to build commuter cycling facilities.  The program
   provides 50% of the funding of a cycling project up to a maximum of
   $200,000. Since the program began, the City of Vancouver has applied
   for, and received, funding toward several cycling projects, including
   the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bicycle Route. However, the Provincial
   funding for this project is conditional upon the route being completed
   by September 30, 1997. It is critical that a decision regarding the
   implementation of the bicycle route be made now in order to allow
   adequate time for construction.

   The relevant Transportation Plan recommendations approved by Council on
   May 27, 1997 are as follows:
    
   C2 - Review existing bikeways for possible improvement.

   M1 - Design a monitoring and review program as a basis for guiding
        future policies and budgeting.

   M2 - Report back to Council about the monitoring and review program.


   DISCUSSION

   For clarity, the proposed Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bicycle Route has
   been divided into five sections based on the survey distribution areas
   and taking into consideration the portion of the route that is already
   constructed (Ridgeway Greenway Pilot Project).  These five sections are
   shown on the map in Appendix A. 

   From west to east, these are:

        -    Western Section (39th and 37th, from Camosun to Granville)
        -    Ridgeway Greenway Section (37th, from Granville to Knight) 
        -    Eastern Section (37th and 38th, from Knight to Earles)
        -    45th Avenue Branch (45th, from Earles to Boundary)
        -    29th Avenue Branch (29th, from Earles to Boundary)

   (a)  Route Alignment and Improvements

        Western Section (39th and 37th, from Camosun to Granville)

        The route alignment is shown in Appendix A. The route will be
        direct and cyclist-friendly with the following details:

        (i)  The western portion of the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bike
             Route will connect the S.W. Marine Drive Bike Lanes at Camosun
             and 41st Avenue to the western end of the Ridgeway Greenway at
             Granville and 37th Avenue. The route will follow Camosun
             north, from 41st to 39th, east on 39th to Collingwood, north
             on Collingwood to 37th and east on 37th to Granville.

        (ii) The existing pedestrian signals at Dunbar/39th Avenue and West
             Boulevard/37th Avenue will be upgraded with cyclist actuation. 
             In response to residents' concerns, staff will investigate the
             possibility of upgrading the existing pedestrian actuated
             signal at West Boulevard and 37th Avenue to a full signal,
             together with appropriate traffic calming determined through
             community consultation.

        (iii)     Traffic circles are proposed for the intersections of
                  Wallace and 39th Avenue, Balaclava and 37th Avenue,
                  Trafalgar and 37th Avenue, and Vine and 37th Avenue.

        (iv) The right-in/right-out diverters at Mackenzie and 37th Avenue,
             and Larch and 37th Avenue, proposed in the original design
             were not supported by residents (only 31% and 35% support
             respectively) and we recommend that they not be included in
             this proposal. However, a future report to Council regarding
             potential changes to both Mackenzie and Larch will be
             submitted as part of the recommendations in the Transportation
             Plan.

        (v)  Two north/south stop signs will be added to the existing
             east/west stop signs at Crown and 39th Avenue to make it a
             four-way stop. Residents were given the option of a 4-way stop
             or a traffic circle at this intersection and more preferred
             the stop signs (see Appendix C for details). Stop signs are
             proposed for all uncontrolled intersections along the route to
             improve safety. The right-of-way will be given to cyclists
             where it is practical and safe to do so. Two additional
             east/west stop signs are proposed, at residents  request, at
             40th and Collingwood to discourage short-cutting.

        (vi) Miscellaneous pavement upgrades are recommended along the
             route and include repairing uneven pavement, bumps and large
             cracks.

        (vii)     In conjunction with Greenways, street lighting
                  improvements are recommended along portions of 37th
                  Avenue, between Granville and West Boulevard, to improve
                  visibility and safety for cyclists and pedestrians.  The
                  funding for these improvements is requested at this time
                  subject to a detailed street lighting study by Greenways,
                  together with appropriate community consultation. 

   Ridgeway Greenway Section (37th, from Granville to Knight)

        The general route alignment for the existing Ridgeway Greenway,
   between Granville and Knight is shown in Appendix A.  This section of
   the route is substantially complete. The bike-related improvements are
   as follows:

        (i)  The pilot portion of the Ridgeway Greenway/Bikeway follows
   37th Avenue from Granville to Knight and connects the Heather and
   Ontario Bikeways.

        (ii) The crossings of Granville, Cambie, Main and Fraser have been
             made easier with new cyclist/pedestrian actuated signals. 
             Cyclist actuation has also been added to the existing signals
             at Oak and Knight.

        (iii)     Traffic circles were added at the intersections of Willow
                  and 37th, and Ontario and 37th.

        (iv) Traffic diverters have been installed at Cambie and 37th, Main
             and 37th, and Fraser and 37th.

        (v)  Stop signs are proposed at all uncontrolled intersections
             along the route for safety reasons. The right-of-way will be
             given to cyclists where it is practical and safe to do so.

   Eastern Section (37th and 38th, from Knight to Earles)

        The general route alignment for the section of the bicycle route
        between Knight and Earles is shown in Appendix A with the following
        details:

        (i)  The eastern section of the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bicycle
             Route will join the eastern end of the existing Ridgeway
             Greenway at Knight and 37th Avenue.  The route will follow the
             proposed Ridgeway Greenway extension  on 37th Avenue east from
             Knight to Commercial, south on Commercial to the lane south of
             37th Avenue, east through Jones Park to Victoria Drive, east
             along 38th Avenue to Earles.  At Earles, the route branches:
             the northern branch follows Earles north to East 29th Avenue
             and the southern branch follows the proposed Ridgeway Greenway
             extension south on Earles to East 45th Avenue.        (ii) The crossing of Victoria Drive at 38th Avenue will be made
             easier with a new cyclist/pedestrian actuated signal.

        (iii)     Traffic Circles are proposed for the intersections of
                  Argyle and 37th Avenue, and Gladstone and 38th Avenue. 
                  The original design called for a traffic circle at
                  Chambers and 38th Avenue; however, we recommend that this
                  circle be funded, but not installed at this time in order
                  to accommodate a future Greenways design just west of
                  this intersection. The Greenways design will be
                  determined in consultation with the neighbourhood at a
                  later date. The funding for the traffic circle at
                  Chambers and 38th will be applied toward the cost of the
                  Greenways feature, which could include a traffic circle.

        (iv) In cooperation with Greenways, a bike path is proposed through
             Jones Park, between Commercial Street and Victoria Drive, that
             will run parallel to and include a portion of the lane south
             of 37th Avenue. The detailed alignment through the park will
             be determined in consultation with the neighbourhood and the
             Park Board, as there are potential safety concerns with the
             bikeway at the edge of a soccer field. In the meantime, the
             bike route will follow East 37th Avenue and the west boulevard
             of Victoria Drive around Jones Park.

        (v)  Lighting improvements are tentatively proposed along the Jones
             Park bike path to improve safety and visibility for cyclists
             and pedestrians. Additional street lights are proposed along
             the bike route at Dumfries, Fleming, Wales and Rhodes. All
             lighting improvements in Jones Park will be subject to Park
             Board approval.

        (vi) Stop signs are proposed along the route at all uncontrolled
             intersections.  The right-of-way will be given to cyclists
             where it is practical and safe to do so.  In addition, it is
             proposed that the existing east/west stop signs at Nanaimo and
             38th Avenue be switched to north/south and the existing
             north/south stop signs at Nanaimo and 39th Avenue be changed
             to east/west. The switch will not only give cyclists the
             right-of-way along the bike route, but will have the added
             advantage of slowing traffic on Nanaimo in front of George
             Cunningham School.  

        (vii)     Miscellaneous pavement upgrades are recommended along
                  this section of the route and include repairing uneven
                  pavement, bumps and large cracks. All pavement repairs
                  will be coordinated with Greenways.

        45th Avenue Branch (45th, from Earles to Boundary)

        The general route alignment is shown in Appendix A with the
        following details:

        (i)  The route will follow the proposed Ridgeway Greenway extension
             along Earles, from 38th Avenue to 45th Avenue and east along
             45th Avenue to Boundary Road and will ultimately connect to
             bike paths in Central Park.  A map of the proposed Ridgeway
             Greenway is shown in Appendix D.

        (ii) The crossing at Boundary Road will be made easier with a new
             cyclist/pedestrian actuated signal.  78% of residents who
             responded supported the new signal (vs 11% against). The
             existing signals at 41st and Earles, and 45th and Rupert will
             be upgraded with cyclist-actuated push buttons.

        (iii)     A traffic circle is proposed at Earles and 43rd Avenue.

        (iv) It is proposed that all currently uncontrolled intersections
             along the route be controlled by stop signs with the right-of
             way given to cyclists where it is practical and safe to do so.


        (v)  Miscellaneous pavement repairs are recommended along the
             route. All pavement repairs will be coordinated with
             Greenways. 

        29th Avenue Branch (29th, from Earles to Boundary)

        The general route alignment is shown in Appendix A with the
        following details:

        (i)  The 29th Avenue branch will follow Earles, from 38th Avenue
             north to 29th Avenue, east along 29th Avenue to Caribou, south
             on Caribou to Moscrop and east along Moscrop to Boundary Road. 
             The route will connect the Ridgeway Greenway to the BC Parkway
             Bikeway and to a future bike route in Burnaby along Moscrop.

        (ii) The existing signals at Earles and 29th, Rupert and 29th,
             Moscrop and Joyce, and Moscrop and Boundary will be upgraded
             with cyclist actuation.

        (iii)     The existing sidewalk on the west side of Boundary
                  between Moscrop and the south crosswalk of the
                  intersection will be widened to accommodate both
                  pedestrians and cyclists. Paint markings and warning
                  signs are proposed along the sidewalk to minimize
                  conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians.  

        (iv) Pavement repairs are recommended along portions of Caribou and
             Moscrop to improve the riding surface.


   b)   Neighbourhood Compatibility 

        Input from affected residents, schools and businesses was gathered
        through surveys, letters, phone calls, e-mail and an open house. 
        Because of the length of the route there were 5 separate survey
        areas.  These are shown in Appendix B.  Overall, 64% of respondents
        indicated support for the bike route (vs 24% against).  Support for
        individual measures ranged from 31% (diverter at Larch and 37th) to
        78% (signal at Boundary and 45th).  Further details of the survey
        results can be found in Appendix C.

        Although nearly two thirds of respondents supported the bicycle
        route there were two areas that showed opposition: the Western
        section near Camosun; and the 29th Avenue branch.

   Western Section - Camosun to Collingwood

        Analysis of the February survey results show that the 37th Avenue
   route is not as well supported west of Dunbar (49%) as it is east of
   Dunbar (73%). Some of the concerns expressed by residents living near
   the western end of the route are:

        - not cost effective
        - school children at risk from cyclists
        - disruptive to local and emergency traffic patterns
        - increased congestion

        According to many residents, 37th Avenue, west of Dunbar, was the
        wrong street for the bike route. In response to these concerns a
        parallel route was developed on 39th Avenue between Collingwood and
        Camosun and presented to residents for consideration in a separate
        survey.  This alternative route, which is called the 39th Avenue
        Option, follows 39th Avenue between Camosun and Collingwood and
        turns north on Collingwood to join 37th Avenue. Appendix F shows
        details of both route options.

        Comparative support for each route was as follows:
        37th Option (37th Ave - Collingwood to Camosun):                58%
        39th Option (39th Ave - Collingwood to Camosun):                62%

        Comparative support for proposed measures at Dunbar: 
        37th Option (new median at Dunbar):                             44%
        39th Option (add cyclist actuation to pedestrian 
        signal at Dunbar):                                              57%

        The numbers are based on a common survey area shown on the map in
        Appendix F.  The area includes residents living between 35th and
        39th Avenue, from Camosun to Balaclava Street.

        Both options have advantages:  37th Avenue is a little wider in
        places and is a more direct link to Camosun (future greenway); 
        39th Avenue takes advantage of the existing pedestrian signal at
        Dunbar and avoids the vehicle congestion in front of Southlands
        School before and after classes.  Both routes have comparable
        grades.

        Based on survey responses, the overall level of support for the
        39th Avenue Option was higher. In addition, many of the comments
        from residents suggest that 39th is a more cost effective choice as
        it makes use of the existing pedestrian actuated signal at Dunbar.
        Based on a higher percentage of support and cost savings the 39th
        Avenue routing is recommended. It is important to note that bike
        routes in all  other areas of the city have not posed an additional
        safety hazard near schools, have not increased congestion, and have
        been very compatible with local streets. 

        The Bicycle Advisory Committee to Council, at their June 18th
        meeting, stated that they prefer a straight bicycle route along
        37th Avenue to Camosun, but will accept the 39th Avenue route in
        consideration of the neighbourhood's concerns. In addition, the
        Committee proposes to begin working with Southlands School to
        develop a "Safe Routes to School" program, based on the Delta
        model, to encourage cycling for both students and staff.

        29th Avenue Branch

        Of the 395 surveys distributed along this section of the route,
        only 59  residents responded, or 15%. Of those, 46% supported the
        idea of a bike route (vs 42% against).  Those residents who
        commented were concerned primarily with speeding motorists and
        traffic volumes on 29th Avenue. Although support for the bike route
        and the specific measures was relatively low (see Appendix C), we
        recommend that the 29th Avenue branch of the Ridgeway/37th/29th
        Avenue Bike Route be implemented for the following reasons:

        -    no negative impact on traffic volumes on 29th Avenue 
        -    valuable link between the Ridgeway Greenway and the B.C. 
             Parkway Bikeway
        -    future link to Burnaby's network of cycling and  pedestrian
             facilities (see Appendix E) 

        As with all our bikeways, we will be monitoring traffic volumes and
        patterns to ensure that the new traffic measures are effective and
        are meeting the needs of both residents and cyclists. Adjustments
        to the route will be made if required.

        Existing bikeways generally have been seen by residents as having a
        positive impact on their neighbourhoods. This is partly because
        reducing non-local motor vehicle traffic on local streets is a
        shared goal of residents and the cycling program. 

   c)   Implementation

        Route improvements would begin immediately. Substantial completion
        of the route is required by September 30, 1997 in order to qualify
        for Provincial funding under the Cycling Network Program.

   d)   Maintenance

        Elements of the proposed route could be considered for maintenance
        levels above those of a normal street; however, due to current
        budget constraints it is recommended that the bicycle route receive
        the same level of treatment as would a normal street, at no
        additional cost.  This may require refusing some public requests
        for extraordinary maintenance levels.

        Operating Costs

        Each of the five new cyclist/pedestrian actuated signals will incur
        an additional operating cost of $2,000; therefore, an increase of
        $10,000 is recommended to the annual signal maintenance budget.

        Similarly, each of the ten new traffic circles will incur an
        additional annual maintenance cost of $500 and a corresponding
        increase of $5,000 is recommended to the annual streets maintenance
        budget.  This  maintenance cost may be reduced by $400 per traffic
        circle for every circle adopted by residents up to a maximum
        reduction of $4,000.

        In addition, there will be approximately 330 new signs (e.g. stop
        signs, route signs, warning signs) and approximately 25 painted
        stencils along the route; therefore, a corresponding increase of
        $6,000 is recommended to the annual sign maintenance budget.
        Details are shown in Appendix G.

   (e)  Route Names

        This route was called the Midtown Bicycle Route and the 37th Avenue
        Bicycle Route during the planning and consultation stages.  In
        order to avoid confusion for cyclists, we suggest that the portions
        of the proposed bikeway that follow the Ridgeway Greenway (37th
        Avenue, from Yew to Victoria; 38th, from Victoria to Earles;
        Earles, from 38th to 45th; and 45th, from Earles to Boundary) be
        named the RIDGEWAY BIKEWAY.

        It is suggested that the western and northeastern legs of the route
        be named the 37TH AVENUE BIKEWAY and the 29TH AVENUE BIKEWAY
        respectively.

   (f)  Route Signage

        The signage, including route markers and destination signs will be
        similar to those along our other bikeways.  All are based on the
        use of clear, internationally recognized standard symbols with a
        minimum of wording.  The route markers will be placed every two
        blocks in each direction.

        This route will be added to our "Vancouver Bicycle Routes"
        information brochure. The brochures are available free of charge at
        City Hall and other public areas and distributed at cycling related
        events.  They provide help to users, promote and advertise bicycle
        routes in the City and reinforce cyclist etiquette and road sense. 
        Information and maps describing Vancouver's growing network of bike
        routes are also available on the Internet through the City's home
        page.

   (g)  Monitoring Program

        To review and monitor this new bikeway, it is recommended that it
        be included in a comprehensive review of all existing bikeways. 
        The comprehensive review will compare bicycle usage before and
        after the implementation of a bikeway, and finalize all temporary
        traffic measures after further public consultation.  This review
        meets the obligations of the Cycling Network Program, where
        applicable, to complete bicycle counts after a bike route has been
        completed.  The review is also consistent with the recommendations
        of the Transportation Plan to review existing bikeways and to
        report back on a monitoring and review program that can be used as
        a guide for future policies and budgeting.  The estimated cost of
        the comprehensive review is $30,000 which includes the cost of
        obtaining automatic traffic counts, conducting public consultation
        and temporary help.

   FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

   Below is a summary of both capital and operating costs for the
   implementation of the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bike Route. The costs
   for some of the improvements are jointly funded between Bikeways and
   Greenways. See Appendix G for details.

   TABLE A:  Estimated Capital Costs - New Funds Requested

                                     Bikeways    Greenways    Total
                                      Account     Account           

   Cyclist/Pedestrian Signals        $146,000       $0      $146,000
   Cyclist Actuation Upgrades         $77,000       $0       $77,000
   Traffic Circles                    $65,000       $0       $65,000
   Pavement Improvements              $45,000       $0       $45,000
   Signage                            $34,500       $0       $34,500
   Boundary Road Bike Path             $2,500       $0        $2,500
   Victoria Drive Bike Path           $12,000    $12,000     $24,000
   Street Lighting Improvements       $38,000    $38,000     $76,000
   (includes $24,000 reserved for Jones Park) 
   Temporary Help                     $26,000       $0       $26,000
   Public Consultation                 $5,000       $0        $5,000 
                                    _________________________________
   Subtotal                          $451,000    $50,000    $501,000



   TABLE B:  Estimated Capital Costs - 
             Reallocation of Previously Approved Funds                      
      (Ridgeway Greenway Pilot Project)

   The Ridgeway Greenway Pilot Project received funding approval from
   Council on March 12, 1996 and June 27, 1996.  Many of the items funded
   by Greenways for bike-related improvements are more appropriately funded
   by the Bicycle Network Account.  Therefore, it is recommended that
   $122,500 from the Streets Basic Capital Unappropriated Account
   12/31/6903/999 (Bicycle Network) be used to reimburse the Streets Basic
   Capital Unallocated Account 12/31/6801/999 (Greenways Pilot Project).   This is detailed below:


                       Total Greenways    Greenways      Bikeways
                       Funds Previously   Allocation    Allocation          
                     Approved      (Recommended)  (Recommended)
      
   New Signals and          $282,500      $186,000       $96,500
   Signal Upgrades

   Street Works             $284,400      $258,400       $26,000
                           ______________________________________
   Subtotal                 $566,900      $444,400      $122,500

   Summary of Capital Costs 

   Subtotal - New Funds (TABLE A)            $501,000
   Subtotal - Reallocated funds (TABLE B)    $122,500
                                             ________
   Total    - Capital Funds                  $623,500


   TABLE C:  Estimated Operating Costs
                                                            
   Signal Maintenance (5 new ped/cyclist signals)            $10,000

   Streets Maintenance (10 new traffic circles)               $5,000
    - cost may be reduced if circles are adopted by
      residents

   Sign Maintenance (approximately 330 signs)                 $6,000
                                                              ______
                                                      Total: $21,000


   Funding Sources

   The total estimated cost to implement the Ridgeway/37th/29th Avenue Bike
   Route is $623,500. The funding required is offset by $200,000 from the
   Province s Cycling Network Program.  A further $10,000 has been
   previously approved by Council for preliminary work. Of the remaining
   $413,500, $50,000 is requested to be allocated from Greenways Capital
   and $353,500 allocated from Bicycle Network Capital. The $363,500
   includes $122,500 to reimburse Greenways Capital for bike-related work
   already completed as part of the Ridgeway Greenway Pilot Project. This
   is summarized in the table below:

   Provincial Cycling Network Program ..................... $200,000

   Previously approved by Council:
   37th Avenue push button upgrades (12/31/5051/999).........        $5,000
   37th Avenue public consultation  (12/31/5052/999).........        $5,000

   Streets Basic Capital Accounts 
    -  Greenways (12/31/6906/999) .........................  $50,000  -  
   Bicycle Network (12/31/6903/999)....................  $363,500 
              - New Funds Allocated ............ $241,000
              - Funds to reimburse Greenways ... $122,500
                                      Subtotal:  $363,500
                                                            ________
                                                     Total: $623,500

   An additional $30,000 is requested for a comprehensive review of all
   existing bikeways.  The funds are to be allocated from Streets Basic
   Capital Unappropriated Account 12/31/6903/999 (Bicycle Network) 


   APPENDICES on file in City Clerk's Office


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