Cycling infrastructure: Rethinking roads for the good of all users
A recent study (1) published by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) found the lack of cycling infrastructure to be a barrier to would-be cyclists, with nearly one in three Canadians (31%) saying they would cycle more if biking facilities were better.
The finding quickly begs the question of how to share the road space. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are all clamoring for infrastructure that supports their particular mode of transportation. With 30% of Canadians saying they’ve biked more during lockdown and recent experimentation with temporary road-sharing measures, it’s a good time to think about long-term solutions that will benefit all road users.
CAA-Quebec supports better cycling infrastructure and promotes active transportation. Our Roadside Assistance service is also there for our biking members.
In response to the findings of the Canada-wide survey, CAA public affairs vice-president Ian Jack said “Proper, permanent infrastructure—such as protected lanes and connected paths—are essential to making Canadians feel safer when cycling.”
Beyond inadequate cycling infrastructure, bad weather (46%) and the destination being too far (42%) were the other top reasons respondents cited for not biking more.
Yes to road sharing...
The poll also asked Canadians what type of infrastructure would lead them to cycle more often. Lanes separated by physical barriers led the list, with 40% of Canadians saying they’d be moved to cycle more. Other types of infrastructure that Canadians would like to see include connected cyclist/pedestrian pathways (39%), wider cycling lanes (37%), painted cycling lanes (31%), and better roadway markings (27%).
CAA-Quebec is active in a number of forums advocating for road safety and road sharing among all users. We regularly speak out in favour of win/win solutions and more investment in active transportation, as in the consultation on the project to close off Camilien-Houde Way and Remembrance Road on Mount Royal to through vehicle traffic in 2018. CAA-Quebec’s solution was designed to include all modes of transportation, while meeting safety requirements through signage and layout improvements.
...as long as the roads are safer and more accessible
CAA-Quebec would like to reiterate the importance of designs that provide space for all road users to walk, bike, and drive safely.
No one group rules the road. Restrictions, constraints, and detours not only limit mobility but also risk fuelling frustration among users. CAA-Quebec calls on public officials to prioritize state-of-the-art infrastructure that will make our streets safe and welcoming for all.
In October 2019, CAA-Quebec presented a brief in response to the Government of Quebec’s mobility funding reform initiative (in French only) to find effective solutions for new, sustainable forms of mobility that meet peoples’ needs.
The CAA-Quebec Foundation continues to take concrete action to raise awareness among users of all ages and conditions on best practices on the road. These outreach efforts promote road safety and environmental protection in automobile use through research, awareness, and education.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec is a not-for-profit organization that assists each of its members by providing mobility, travel, insurance, and residential benefits, products, and services. CAA was named Canada’s most trusted brand in the annual Brand Trust Index for 2020 by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.
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(1) Findings based on a CAA poll of 2,824 Canadians carried out from June 5 to 16, 2020. A probability sample of the same size would have resulted in a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.