City of Peterborough

Synergy of Trails and Sidewalks

Peterborough Winters

• Population 76,000• 12 km long by 6 km

wide• Annual snowfall is 137

cm (4.5 feet)• Jan. average high is -3• Jan. average low is -12• Shortest day 8.5 hours

Active Transportation in Peterborough

• Mode share of cycling is approx. 2%

• Mode share of walking is 9-14%

• Trail system is backbone for cycling routes

• Excellent sidewalk policy

• Sidewalk Strategic Plan

The Winter Cycling Scene

• Early stages of growth• All paved trails plowed

since 2009• All sidewalks plowed• Bike lanes cleared as

part of road clearing, not a particular priority

Core Infrastructure

• Relatively friendly community

• Functional network in warm months is 60 km

• Cycling lanes not cleared well in winter, only 17 km paved trails cleared well

Multi-Use Trail Clearing

• 17 km paved multi-use trails

• Plow with ½ ton pick-up, completed by 9 a.m. or so, but not consistently

• Side paths on several stretches of arterial roads

• Much better condition than sidewalks

Sidewalk Cycling

• Permitted on several wide sidewalks along arterial roads

• Sidepaths along several roads• Preferred by some due to

vehicle separation, even in summer, 30% ride sidewalks

• May be permitted on all sidewalks with proposed Active Transportation By-Law

Where We Are Headed

• 2012 Transportation Plan calls for tripling of cycling network

• Quick wins would be to clear trails, strategic sidewalks & bike lanes for a.m. commute

• Keen on road infrastructure that is conducive to snow clearing

• Sanctioning sidewalk riding along with reliable trail clearing could attract more winter riders

Sue SauvéTDM Planner

City of Peterborough, Ontario

ssauve@peterborough.ca

Thank You!