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City of Ottawa created several new bike lanes this fall. Lyon and Percy streets both have sharrows painted on the lanes that clearly identify them. Well, unless it snows. Then you can't see them because the city will not plow the bike lane. As you can see in the photo, the car lanes are scraped clear of snow. The bike lane is a rutted icy mess. I am surprised at the number of cyclists I am still seeing so far this winter but wonder how long these hardy souls can continue if the bike lanes are unmaintained.
Pedestrians don't have it any better. Instead of SHOVELLING the sidewalks, which would clear off ALL of the slush and snow, the plows only clear off the top layer. Then the stuff underneath freezes and becomes a rutted icy mess, as you well put it. I refuse to drive downtown (I depend on OC Transpo and my own two feet) so I totally understand your frustration.
ReplyDeleteGillian, I do a lot of walking downtown and I know what you mean. If you listen to the city's snow line message they clearly state their snow removal priorities. Pedestrians (and cyclists) are last on the list. It always amazes me how many roads can be bone dry after a major storm while pedestrians struggle on icy sidewalks!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the contraflow lanes, like those on Graham or Stewart. Neither is plowed. Are cyclists still permitted to go the wrong way on these one-way streets? Meanwhile, the city clearly bends over backwards to make the adjacent roads are cleared for motorists.
ReplyDeleteApparently! As long as it is clear for cars. There is a big increase in winter cyclists this year and I really thought the city was going to help out. Especially plowing the bikelanes. I just don't get it.
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