A study has recently been completed into the issues and needs that Kitchener cyclists face when they choose to ride their bikes to commute to work, school, or just for the fun of it.
The online survey had responses from 1,020 bike users, who shared their insights about their major concerns.
The biggest issue they had was a lack of infrastructure such as bike lanes that were located in the places they needed to go. The second problem most identified was a lack of respect from the drivers of cars and other motor vehicles.
The city’s transportation demand management coordinator noted that there is a mandate to add 100 kilometers of new bike lanes throughout the area. He also noted that there are new sharrows on King Street West, which are lanes where cyclists have the right way.
A current count of bike users is being undertaken, and the results of this will be combined with the survey and the overall results will be released soon. So far, the numbers indicate that cyclists tend to be young professionals with varying levels of income, and most come from households with at least two bikes.
Once the construction of the new bike lanes is underway, a printing company will be able to provide the signage that is needed to not only show the route, but also to let motor vehicle drivers know that the cyclists are there and remind them to be cautious.
