Transportation master plan endorsed in Clarington

Clarington has endorsed the municipality’s first Active Transportation Master Plan, a high-level strategic document that will support how the municipality plans, designs and improves walking, cycling and wheeling routes for people of all ages and abilities.

The plan will help inform future planning decisions to create a safer, more connected and healthier community.

“This is a plan to connect neighbours. We’re linking people to the places they live, work, and enjoy through bike lanes, paths and sidewalks to build a stronger, safer and more accessible community. We took a close look at our infrastructure, what we have today and what we’ll need so Clarington can be an even better place to walk, run, and ride,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “This plan provides a clear roadmap for a more connected and accessible future for active transportation in Clarington.”

The transportation master plan identifies a proposed network of sidewalks, bike lanes, multi-use paths and local routes to connect neighbourhoods, key destinations and rural areas. Through a coordinated system of major ‘spine’ routes, local connectors and quieter neighbourhood streets, the network is intended to provide residents more options to get around without relying on a car.

Residents chimed in with suggestions during the consultation phase, including a desire to connect foot trails through subdivisions to create accessible paths while maintaining biodiversity, adding more shared pathways for bikes and pedestrians to connect to trails to more easily move through town and maps of the available routes.

Safety is a key focus of the plan, with recommended approaches for enhanced intersections, improved crossings and street design that considers the needs of all road users– including pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, drivers and people using mobility devices.  The plan also identifies supporting elements such as bike parking, lighting, rest areas and wayfinding, along with policies to support accessibility and ongoing maintenance.

The goal of the transportation plan is to create a resilient and sustainable community and a safe and connected network by:

• Promoting active transportation through public education
• Increasing opportunities for recreation and exercise
• Supporting access of local businesses by active transportation
• Supporting a variety of transportation and mobility options
• Providing safe and protected active transportation facilities
• Establishing connections between hamlets, rural areas, and urban centres
• Creating convenient connections to key destinations
• Providing safe crossings of major physical barriers to creating a well-connected network

The plan also hopes to create inclusive, accessible and vibrant communities by connecting active transportation network with transit and creating accessible active transportation facilities.

Learn more at www.clarington.net/ATMP.