MINUTES — PUBLIC — COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION, SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AND SAFETY

7. Bicycle parking strategy — Analysis and reflection

The document Stratégie d’implantation de stationnements vélos (Bicycle parking implementation strategy) is presented. The members received it before the meeting. The objective is to present the progress of the strategy for implementing bicycle parking. The new winter cycling network map was put online on December 4, 2024. Sixteen new kilometers of cycling links are maintained this winter.

The presentation is broken down into the following sub-themes:

• Contextualization;
• Methodology;
• Diagnosis (Progress status);
• Findings;
• Next steps.

Six elements of the Plan directeur du réseau cyclable (Cycling network master plan) refer specifically to the bicycle parking file, namely: conducting an inventory of bicycle parking; integrating bicycle parking supply into development projects; developing a bicycle parking supply based on best practices around municipal buildings and public property; collaborating with the STO to improve the number, accessibility, and safety of bicycle parking at public transit hubs; developing a best practices guide for trip generators and promoting it; and; studying the possibility of introducing incentives for the installation of bicycle parking on private property.

Carried out in collaboration with MOBI-O, the bicycle parking project focuses mainly on the racks used to park bicycles. The need to inventory them emerged because the territory of Gatineau is vast and data on existing racks is limited. Following this inventory, a categorization of the different intervention contexts and a prioritization of actions and investments to be made will follow. The project is divided into three stages: diagnosis; findings; implementation strategy. The first two stages are underway. Regarding the types of racks, the analysis will take into consideration various needs (special equipment or for people with disabilities, winter use, long or short term, etc.).

The work carried out will guide the development of a strategy useful for the implementation of bicycle racks on the public domain of the city of Gatineau, the development of a bicycle parking guide, the revision of bicycle parking regulations, and the development of incentives for adding bicycle racks on private property.

The city's territory has been divided into data collection sectors. The prioritization criteria allowed for a cross-referencing of geomatic data. A map presents the results grouped according to four major priorities. As of October 10, 2024, 667 bicycle racks have been listed. The data indicates the type of rack as well as their number by sector.

For analysis purposes, six major implementation contexts have been identified: commercial; residential; employment; intermodality; public places and others. These contexts will have an impact on the solutions that will be put forward. The ongoing diagnosis of the commercial context is presented as well as a map of bicycle parking near businesses.

Findings have been established:

• Multiple needs related to the different people using businesses: managers, staff, customers, delivery people, etc. (e.g., short term vs. long term, etc.);
• Concentration of commercial spaces near major road axes for which cycling accessibility is variable (51.5% of commercial activity zones are currently not served directly by the cycling network);
• Currently, the regulation for commercial use requires the installation of 3 parking units for areas less than or equal to 500 m2, then the addition of one additional unit per 500 m2;
• There is no information regarding compliance with this regulation and the means to ensure compliance are very limited;
• Ground space available for adding bicycle parking is sometimes very limited and sometimes very vast due to automobile parking;
• Access to businesses via active transport is sometimes complex due to the frequent presence of large parking lots;
• Numerous entrances and exits to serve for indoor shopping centers.

The next steps include finalizing the diagnosis and findings as well as developing the strategy. A future presentation to the CTDDS could take place in May 2025.

The presentation prompts the following comments, questions, or clarifications:

• Large centers or commercial spaces do not necessarily constitute bike-friendly destinations. In the prioritization for the installation of bicycle racks, it would be important not to neglect the City's commercial hierarchy and urban village centers. Although they do not constitute large commercial destinations, they offer common goods and services. More user-friendly, these places are often the places to which there is more travel. It is indicated that these places will indeed be taken into consideration. The strategies will have to be adapted to the various contexts.
• The implementation contexts do not seem to contain recreational gathering sites (historical, natural, tourist, or other) that are subject to bicycle travel and that would benefit from parking for a prolonged period. It is mentioned that public places are part of the maps presented. However, the capacity for intervention is limited due to the fact that these are not municipal properties. The City will only be able to issue recommendations.
• It is asked if the prioritization criteria take into account safety (vandalism, theft, etc.). It is specified that no data has been analyzed regarding safety. However, this aspect will be taken into consideration in the formulated recommendations, particularly for long-term parking which involves more risk of theft. These recommendations will also present what constitutes good bicycle parking.
• Clarification is requested on the fact that there is no information or little capacity to enforce the regulation. It is indicated that the issues lie with the inspectors. Bicycle racks are frequently added at the very end of project implementation plans.
• Groups will be consulted to identify, among other things, needs in universal accessibility and homelessness. Any other suggestion is welcome.
• The map relating to the prioritization of data collection sectors not presenting information regarding priority 2, a verification will be done on this subject.
• It is emphasized that the criteria should include fixing bicycle racks to the ground. The suggestion is noted and we will look at the feasibility of adding fields to the search.
• Proximity to bike paths does not seem like a good criterion since cyclists can go where they want. Leisure places frequently have bicycle parking that is full; the fact that there is bicycle parking does not therefore mean that their number is sufficient. The participatory map made it possible to find problematic intersections. Why not make such a map to know the destinations of cyclists as well as the places where parking is missing? This could help prioritize locations. It is indicated that a few years ago, the City had started the analysis with the participatory map. This approach was however set aside since MOBI-O is now responsible for data collection. The comment is however noted with a view to a possible improvement of the tool.
• During a complaint to 311, it is not guaranteed that an inspector will go to the scene to follow up. Recommendations will however be issued.
• It is desired that particular attention be paid to people with disabilities during the installation of bicycle racks so that they do not obstruct the mobility of these people.
• The recommendations formulated will aim to establish prorated shares regarding the number of spaces in order to be as inclusive as possible regarding the various types of bicycles (cargo bikes, three-wheeled bikes, tandem bikes, etc.).
• During their installation, it is important that the hoops are installed in the right direction. Currently, this is not the case.
• The Galeries de Buckingham are not included in the list of shopping centers. It would be relevant to analyze them. We will see to filling this gap.

This presentation is in continuity with the one on secure lockers. These presentations contribute to the reflections aimed at making the best decisions on the notions of location, safety, etc.

9. Modification to the 2024-2025 CTDDS work plan

The 2024-2025 work plan must be modified by the addition of a file previously presented to the CTDDS. It is the Politique de bonification des trottoirs et passages piétonniers en milieu bâti (Policy for the improvement of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings in built-up areas). Although this file has seen some developments, a recommendation is now necessary on the policy as such. This policy aims in particular to establish criteria to justify the improvement of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings as well as prioritization levels. A presentation would be made at the beginning of 2025. The members agree to recommend a modified version of the work plan to the municipal council since the latter must ratify the modification.

Recommendation CTDDS-2024-08

The Commission on transport, sustainable travel, and safety, at its regular meeting of December 5, 2024, recommends that the municipal council adopt the modified version of its 2024-2025 work plan.

It is proposed by Joël Éric Olinga Mebada Seconded by François Lacerte-Gagnon Adopted

It is asked if the adoption of new government guidelines relating to land development and the obligation to update the development plan could be the subject of a presentation to the CTDDS. It is indicated that it is too early to establish what will affect mobility. Other potential topics related to mobility (tramway and mobility and infrastructure development plan of the STO) should fit into the calendar of presentations planned in 2025.

12. Varia: Identification of bus stops accessible to people with disabilities

Explanations are given by a representative of the STO on the identification of stops and buses accessible to people with disabilities. Universal stops are added year after year. An agreement exists between the City and the STO on the snow removal of landing areas. Although there may be phasing issues, STO stops are prioritized by the City. The STO is responsible for snow removal at the landing areas.