Explore Vaughan’s growing cycling network

March 16, 2021 10:00 a.m.
​Many steps were taken in 2020 to advance pedestrian and bike initiatives throughout the community
 
With a growing network of sidewalks, cycle tracks, bike lanes, multi-use paths and recreational trails, the City of Vaughan is proactively taking steps towards advancing active transportation in the community. With initiatives such as the 2020 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Update, the Vaughan Super Trail, the Clark Avenue bike paths, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) Cycling Network Plan and much more, the City continues to expand its transportation network to further promote a full range of options to get around, including walking, cycling and transit. A comprehensive update on all of these projects is outlined in Vaughan’s Active Transportation Annual Report, which was recently presented to Council.
 
Last month, staff bought forward the first Active Transportation Program Annual Report to Council since the completion of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Update. The report outlines progress to key active transportation initiatives and highlights accomplishments from 2020. It also summarizes actions taken by the City under the following four guiding priorities that emerged through consultations with citizens:
  • Awareness and Culture. Conducted through ongoing education and outreach initiatives, including public service announcements, social media campaigns, online webinars and self-guided programming such as the Great Walks of Vaughan and the Ride and Seek Scavenger Hunt.
  • Safety. Prioritized through the implementation of infrastructure for all ages and abilities, including the City’s first retrofit bike paths on Clark Avenue and many other infrastructure projects as listed in the Active Transportation Annual Report.
  • Infrastructure. Advanced both local and regional corridors by leveraging larger capital and development projects, as well as annual planning and implementation budgets. In 2020 alone, the City initiated the design of seven new stand-alone active transportation projects. This was in addition to active transportation improvements as part of larger capital projects (such as road widenings) or developments.
  • Connectivity. Prioritized through bold initiatives, including cycling networks such as in the VMC Cycling Network, Vaughan Super Trail and the Thornhill Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan. Staff also continue to advance policy and planning within the Vaughan Transportation Plan, four ongoing secondary plans and the Official Plan Review. 
Vaughan’s growing pedestrian, cycling and multi-use recreational trails networks align with the City’s commitment to improve transportation and mobility, foster sustainable communities and create an active, safe and diverse city – all priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. To create healthy, active habits, the City is encouraging residents to get outside and explore the community by foot, bike or bus this spring. Below is an update on the City’s active transportation projects that are completed, underway or planned.
 
CYCLING AND MULTI-USE RECREATIONAL TRAILS NETWORKS
Enhancing existing multi-use networks and creating new active transportation options contributes to a healthier environment and helps alleviate traffic congestion. They also bring the community together, establish transit connections and get more people moving. The current cycling and multi-use recreational trails network in Vaughan is growing and consists of the following main types of cycling facilities:
  • Cycle tracks: designated space for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians and motorists. These areas are marked with a bicycle symbol and diamond.
  • Bike lanes: designated space for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians, but run along the same road as motorists. These areas are made visible with payment markings.
  • Multi-use Pathways: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists that are separate from motorists. These areas are within the boulevard along a roadway.
  • Multi-use Recreational Trails: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists found within parks and open spaces.
2020 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE MASTER PLAN UPDATE
The recently completed 2020 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Update outlines a path forward that is flexible, medium-term and focused on the needs of the community. The plan reflects 10 years of lessons learned and research gathered with the objective to create an active city. The plan also formalizes the City’s ongoing progress towards active transportation and making the community more walkable and bikeable. The recommendations outlined in this plan will be built out within future studies including the Official Plan Review, the Vaughan Transportation Plan and ongoing secondary plan transportation studies. More information is available in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Executive Summary (PDF).
 
VAUGHAN SUPER TRAIL
The planned Vaughan Super Trail is a 100-kilometre city-wide loop system; this is in addition to the 40 per cent of the trail that already exists. The initiative contributes to the ongoing development of an integrated, accessible and sustainable city, placing Vaughan at the forefront in offering residents and visitors an enhanced quality of life while creating a variety of recreational opportunities and visitor experiences.
 
Vaughan staff continue to work on the Vaughan Super Trail planning, design and development initiatives, including:
  • completing the seven-kilometre Humber Trail feasibility study, connecting to the City of Toronto from Steeles Avenue to the Boyd Conservation Area Trail. Virtual public engagement opportunities will be launched in the coming months.
  • starting a feasibility study in the spring of 2021 to fill a three-kilometre trail gap along the Bartley Smith Greenway between Rutherford Road and McNaughton Road, utilizing the recently completed Major Mackenzie Drive pedestrian underpass.
  • collaborating with York Region on a feasibility study for the South York Greenway Cycling and Pedestrian Corridor in the vicinity of the Highway 407 corridor. When complete, the entire length of the South York Greenway will span approximately 40 kilometres from Vaughan to the eastern limits of Markham. The Vaughan corridor segment will span approximately 23 kilometres, with the first phase measuring approximately 11 kilometres between Jane and Yonge streets. The study is anticipated to get underway this year.
  • undertaking a wayfinding and signage RFP – subject to budget approval – for the Vaughan Super Trail in late 2021 that will provide a trail branding strategy, wayfinding and signage guidelines for recreational trail signage.
CLARK AVENUE PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS AND CYCLE TRACKS
The City has mostly completed the Clark Avenue project which includes pedestrian and accessibility enhancements, 4.5 kilometres of cycle tracks and 32 transit stop improvements between Jason Street/David Lewis Drive and Yonge Street. In doing so, these enhancements will:
  • increase accessibility for all ages and abilities through separated transit, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
  • improve connections to schools, parks, libraries, community centres, places of worship and more within the Clark Avenue corridor.
  • provide multiple travel options between the existing Bartley Smith Greenway Trail system. This is achieved through bike lanes on Dufferin Street on the west, in addition to the Yonge Steet subway connection on the east.
The project received over $2 million in Provincial and Regional funding and has been selected as one of six finalists for the 2021 Transportation Association of Canada Sustainable Mobility Award. Learn more about this project at vaughan.ca/ClarkAve.
 
VAUGHAN METROPOLITAN CENTRE CYCLING NETWORK
The City has approved the VMC Cycling Network Plan in February 2018 with 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the network currently in design phases or completed. These include are but not limited to separate pedestrian and cycling facilities along Highway 7, Millway Avenue, Applemill Road, Applewood Road, Interchange Way, Exchange Avenue, Maplecrete Road, Portage Parkway and multi-use recreational trails as part of Edgeley Pond and Park Phase 1.
 
To support the City’s VMC Secondary Plan Update, the City is undergoing a Transportation Master Plan Update and the completion of two road environmental assessment studies to build on and advance existing VMC cycling and pedestrian plans and policies. The studies will help improve connectivity between major areas including transit stations, schools and commercial and residential areas, in addition to other community features such as connections to pathways and open spaces.
 
The City is also currently undertaking the VMC Parks and Wayfinding Master Plan, which will support active transportation in the area. The study provides an innovative framework, shapes development, promotes connectivity and defines how the VMC is perceived and navigated by the public. It also establishes a comprehensive public signage and wayfinding system, which will be vital for residents, businesses and visitors. With this system, new and existing commuters will be better able to combine walking and cycling with public transit, and customers will more easily find local businesses, key destinations and institutions. This study is expected to be completed in late 2021.
 
Stakeholder and public engagement are paramount to the success of these and other studies. To help complete and inform them, the City has been conducting various public feedback opportunities. Explore them at vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay.
 
CYCLING SAFETY TIPS AND ETIQUETTE
A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. A cyclist who violates a traffic law can be stopped by a police officer, which may result in a fine under the HTA. Ontario law requires cyclists to have the following on their bike:
  • white reflective tape on the front forks
  • red reflective tape on the rear forks
  • a white front light on the bike
  • a red rear light or reflector
  • a working bell or horn
Cyclists are also required to wear a helmet if under the age of 18 – it’s the law.
 
When sharing space with pedestrians, cyclists must:
  • keep to the right.
  • pass on the left when safe to do so.
  • yield to pedestrians. 
  • let pedestrians know they are approaching with a friendly greeting or by ringing your bell.
When riding on the road, cyclists must:
  • travel in the same direction as motorists.
  • stop at traffic lights and stop signs.
  • use hand signals to communicate your intentions with motorists and pedestrians.
E-BIKES
E-bikes – which are similar to bicycles, weigh less than 40 kilograms and require pedalling for propulsion –  may be used on all bike paths and trails. Scooter-style e-bikes and other motorized vehicles are not permitted on pedestrian and bike paths, sidewalks and trails. For more information about e-bikes in Ontario, please visit the Ministry of Transportation’s webpage.
 
QUOTE
“With more than 230 kilometres of signed cycling and pedestrian routes, including 60 kilometres of multi-use recreational pathways, the City of Vaughan offers countless opportunities for citizens to get outside and stay active. Through the 2020 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, the Vaughan Super Trail, Clark Avenue bike paths, the VMC Cycling Network Plan, among other city-building initiatives, we are committed to promoting and enhancing active transportation throughout Vaughan. The City’s multi-use paths, tracks, lanes, routes and trails have been designed to bring communities together, establish transit connections and get people moving. As more citizens choose cycling as their preferred method of transportation, we continue to expand Vaughan’s comprehensive transportation network to promote a full range of transit options to get around seamlessly. Enhancing existing multi-use networks and installing new active transportation options supports a healthier environment, alleviates traffic and encourages active living. This will contribute to Vaughan’s ongoing success. As a truly green city, we remain committed to building safe, accessible and sustainable spaces today and for future generations.”
-        Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
QUICK FACTS
  • Vaughan’s growing cycling and multi-use recreational trail networks align with the City’s commitment to improve transportation and mobility, foster sustainable communities and create an active, safe and diverse city – all priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.
  • The current cycling and multi-use recreational trail network in Vaughan consists of these main types  facilities: cycle tracks, bike lanes, multi-use pathways and multi-use recreational trails.
  • On Feb. 9, 2021, staff bought forward the first Active Transportation Program Annual Report to Council since the completion of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan update. This report outlines key active transportation initiatives and accomplishments from 2020.
  • Key City-led active transportation initiatives include planning for the 100-kilometre Vaughan Super Trail, installing 4.5 kilometres of cycle tracks on each side of Clark Avenue, working through the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Cycling Network Plan and completing the 2020 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Update.
LEARN MORE
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