Town introduces bicycle lanes on Hansen Boulevard

The Town of Orangeville has introduced its first bicycle lanes  - on Hansen Boulevard, from First Street to Blind Line, which will extend further west in future. It's the responsibility of everyone who uses our roads to know the rules with respect to bicycle lanes.

The move to add bicycle lanes is part of an effort to promote more sustainable means of travel and to enhance the safety for a situation that already exists - motorists and cyclists sharing the roads. The project is part of the Town's ongoing efforts to link a transportation system throughout Orangeville that encourages non-motorized travel.

The 1.5-metre wide bicycle lanes on both sides of Hansen Boulevard designates a space exclusively for bicycles. The bicycle lane is clearly identified with both signage and pavement markings. Motor vehicles are not permitted to drive, park or stand in the reserved bike lanes but right-turning cars and trucks can enter the lane at intersections and driveways to complete their turns. The signage consists of a white diamond in a black background and the image of a bicycle. Road paint in the bike lane consists of a white diamond with a bicycle below it to indicate the lane is to be used only by cyclists. Sewer grate lids have also been selected so as to prevent bicycle tires from getting caught in them.

No matter where motorists and cyclists are in Town, they are reminded to be on the lookout for each other and for pedestrians. Bicycles are considered vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act and cyclists have the same rights and duties as other drivers. Treat them as you would any other vehicle on the road. Motorists are reminded to pay attention to cyclists and check blind spots on the left and right when turning. Drivers are able to cross the bike lane when coming to the right-turn lanes located at Blind Line and First Street. The line between the driving and bicycle lanes will become broken to signify when it is appropriate to cross into the turning lane.

Cyclists generally ride in the through lane on the right, about one metre from the curb or parked vehicles. However, cyclists are not obligated to use bike lanes or pathways, and are entitled to cycle on all roads in Town. Standard biking rules apply in the bicycle lane -- hand signals must be used and anyone under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet. When riding in the lane, bicycles are considered vehicles and therefore cyclists must know and follow traffic laws, signs, signals and road markings.

Orangeville Council passed a motion in 2009 to introduce bike lanes on all arterial and major collector roads, when new ones are built or existing ones are reconstructed and adopted an amendment to the Town's Official Plan to support this approach. This new initiative, together with the Town's work at building the off-street trail system, offers easier and safer opportunities for people to bicycle.

Given that there were subdivision applications at each end of Hansen Boulevard last year it was considered appropriate to configure Hansen Boulevard  to create a centre turn lane and one lane of traffic in each direction, with bike lanes within the existing right-of-way.

During the Official Plan update last year, there was public consultation and obvious interest in the introduction of bike lanes in Orangeville.

Although there are no plans for more bike lanes in the immediate future, the Trails Master Plan identifies a number of potential roads which may be suitable for bike lanes. The Planning and Public Work Departments will work with the Orangeville Sustainability Action Team, the Trailways Committee, and the County of Dufferin (which has already started to introduce bike lanes on County roads) to continue to develop a network of routes over the long-term.

For more information on  rules of the road  please visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's Cycling Skills website at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide/section2.0.shtml

• Posted: Tuesday, February 2, 2010
• From: Public Works