Burlington Cycling Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:	Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Time:	7:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.
Location:	Virtual

---

1.

Members Present:

Chris Scotland, Claudia Segatore, Jon Millman, Pat Binnie, Laura Fowlie, Vicki Trottier, Tracey Almeida, Rob Todd, Greg Pace, Mohamed Sayed, Nancy Gray, James Dekens

2.

Member Regrets:

Brett Moore, Mohamed Abdel-Aziz, Katherine Dobson, Dan Ozimkovic (Transportation Planning Technologist)

3.

Others Present:

Councillor Kelvin Galbraith, Georgie Gartside (Clerk)

4.

Declarations of Interest:

None.

5.

Approval of Minutes:

5.1

Approve minutes from meeting held April 27, 2021

On motion, the minutes from the meeting held April 27, 2021 were approved as presented.

6.

Delegation(s):

None.

7.

Regular Items:

7.1

2021 workplan review and approval

The committee discussed and finalized its workplan. On motion, the 2021 Cycling Advisory Committee workplan was approved (attached). Georgie advised that all advisory committee workplans will go to the June 7 Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee for approval by committee and Council.

7.2

Staff update

In Dan's absence, Georgie shared the following updates:

Plains Road protected cycling facilities - A virtual Public Information Centre is being organized for the evening of June 23. At the PIC, staff will present two different options for treatments at intersections. When the PIC is finalized, details will be shared with the committee.

Bike rack giveaway program - Approximately 15 to 20 bike racks are given away each year to businesses. If committee members are aware of any churches, parks, etc. in need of a bike rack, please email Dan. Attached are details of the bike rack giveaway program that can be shared with businesses.

Bike repair stations - There are currently seven bike repair stations across the city and three more in storage that will be placed this year. Most repair stations are located on hydro corridors. If committee members are aware of an area in the city that could use a bike repair station, please email Dan. 

Bike Month - Kicks off on May 31 for the month of June (poster attached). All activities will be virtual this year, including nine free webinars through Zoom (see attached flyer). The webinars will be shared with the school boards and two will be held during school hours for students to watch. Burlington Public Library and Tourism Burlington will give away bike lights and bells during June. Tourism Ambassadors in golf carts will be handing out bells and lights at city parks and residents can also pick them up at public libraries across the city. 

7.3

Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee update

Georgie shared that public engagement will take place starting in mid-June and throughout the summer for the Integrated Mobility Plan. Details will be shared with the committee once engagement dates are finalized.

8.

Other Business:

8.1

Cycling Map

Pat said bike shops are being added to the updated Cycling Map. If committee members have any to add, please email Dan.

8.2

New legislation impacting cargo bikes

Vicki shared that there is a new provincial bill being proposed (Bill 282, Moving Ontarians More Safely Act) that has language that may impact cargo bikes. The bill's e-bike definitions include a weight limit of 55 kilograms and would exclude many power-assisted cargo bikes, as well as bike-taxis that give seniors rides as part of the Cycling Without Age program. Curbside Cycling in Toronto was coordinating a response related to this issue and feedback was due by May 10.

A question was raised on whether or not the Cycling Committee could advocate the provincial government. The committee is an advisory committee to Council. Therefore, the committee could write a report to the Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee providing the background and research on the matter and recommend that Council advocate to the provincial government. It was noted that the deadline for comments has passed.

8.3

Cycling safety near Beachway Park

A question was raised around cycling safety near Beachway Park and if the city is doing anything. Councillor Galbraith shared that residents are being directed to contact by-law enforcement staff or the COVID hotline for social distancing concerns. Park Ambassadors were hired to ensure COVID protocols were adhered to. The program had to stop because the ambassadors have been harassed. Council and senior city staff are not willing to put staff at risk. City is asking people to keep their distance the best they can.

8.4

Pedal Poll

Vicki shared that Canada Bikes is looking for volunteers to count cyclists (Pedal Poll 2021) if anyone is interested. Laura said she volunteered and was contacted saying that Burlington is not a polling center. Polls are only being conducted in major cities like Toronto between June 1 and 6.

9.

Adjournment: 7:43 p.m.