An update to help enhance the safety of cyclists was given to council at their regular July 8 meeting, in regards to Cochrane’s Active Transportation Planning and bicycle safety initiatives.
This was in response to a notice of motion that was made on May 23, 2023. Ranchehouse administration underwent a review and update of Cochrane’s Active Transportation Planning and relevant bylaws through a $50,000 grant from The Active Transportation Fund.
The project started in March this year and examined current bylaws, best practices, and developing way-finding guidelines. It’s anticipated that updated standards and proposed bylaw amendments will be shown to council later this year.
This spring, Cochrane Community Services ordered 2,000 bike bells, branded with the Town of Cochrane logo. They have been distributed to Cochrane’s Municipal Enforcement, Parks, and Bike Cochrane with the intent to be given to cyclists in the community through events and public engagement.
Additionally, the 500 bells provided to Bike Cochrane will be dedicated to their Bike To School survey days, for elementary school students who are in need of a bike bell.
More recently, the Town has soft launched their online pathway etiquette communication plans, with pathway maps updates coming to the Town’s website. A Bike safety education plan is currently under development, which will launch in 2025.
Coun. Alex Reed said that although he appreciates the bike safety initiatives in Cochrane, he notes that several communities in Canada are now rescinding bylaws regrading bicycles on sidewalks. As one not in support of bikes on sidewalks, he asked where the topic would fall in the review.
It’s confirmed that the process would evaluate what other jurisdictions are doing, and ensuring that Cochrane falls in line with what works best with the community, while also considering the Transportation Act.
Overall, council looks forward to their report later this year, prior to accepting the presentation as information.
