Newmarket's Tom Taylor Trail will be getting several improvements this spring, such as new signage, a centre line to split traffic, and improved sightlines around corners.
"Staff recommends that these measures should be undertaken immediately to make the trail safer and to provide for a more enjoyable experience for everyone who uses the Tom Taylor Trail," John Quinn, claims risk analyst, told councillors at their meeting Monday.
The improvements are partially in response to a traffic study carried out at the public paths last August. Monitoring posts were placed along the length of the path for three days to measure the kinds and amount of traffic that went by.
One of the most significant findings from that study is that 52 per cent of the people who use the Tom Taylor Trail are cyclists, and up to 60 per cent at the northern and southern ends of the trail. So many of the immediate improvements will be targeted at making it safer for both cyclists and pedestrians to use the path at the same time.
This includes painting a line down the middle of the path.
"A centre line would create better visual separation and define lanes for users, and (get users) to follow traditional road practices," said Quinn.
Lines also make it easier for cyclists to navigate hills and keep pedestrians in an area where they can be passed safely.
This idea was praised by Councillor Jane Twinney.
"I've been asking for and wanting centre lines since I started on council. When the Tom Taylor Trail went in originally, it did have a line, but it wasn't for keeping people to the right like driving a car; it was to keep pedestrians on one side and cyclists on the other. But over the years, it faded away," said Twinney.
"It's good to see it coming back. As someone who uses the trail, people sometimes don't keep to the right and spread across the entire width of the trail."
The town also plans to improve sightlines around curves and corners by cutting grass that is further away from the shoulder of the trail and selectively removing some trees and shrubs.
New signage will be installed, as well.
"This signage will include additional makings on the pavement and will include signs that warn of curves, inclines, declines, caution signs and directional signs," said Quinn.
On top of that, there will be a public education campaign, including a trail ambassador program to promote proper trail etiquette, reduce congestion and promote alternate routes
"The education program will help manage negative behaviour and actions on the trail, educate cyclists to get them to slow down, how to use the centre line, and much more," said Jeff Bond, manager of parks.
The issue of how fast cyclists should be allowed to go on the trail was a contentious one. Councillor Bob Kwapis suggested that steps need to be taken beyond just encouraging courteous bicycle use to get cyclists to slow down.
"I know that is one of biggest concerns is how fast some of the bicycles go through there, which sometimes lead to unfortunate incidents," said Kwapis.
Bond said that they had been planning to use education as the main means of getting cyclists to slow down, but radar signs could tell people to slow down.
Cyclist Peggy Stevens told council that any speed limitations for cyclists need to take into account that not everyone on a bicycle is riding just for fun. For many people, it is their primary means of transportation, and riders are often trying to get somewhere on time.
She also said that proper trail etiquette education shouldn't fall just on cyclists either.
"There are still some walkers who think the trail is theirs alone. They stroll, often with strollers and dogs on long leashes and take up the whole trail and don't move even when they hear cyclist bells," said Stevens.
The improvements going in this spring are just the first phase of a project to improve the Tom Taylor Trail. Staff also want to hold a workshop with council to explore more longer-term priorities for trail development and maintenance.
Twinney said she looks forward to those discussions later this year.
"I think one of the areas we will end up having to look at is either designated system for cyclists since the number of cyclists is so high, and whether some areas of the trail need to be widened."
