Cycling Strategy Presented To Saint John Council

Saint John’s proposed new cycling strategy was presented to Common Council on Monday night.

The strategy is part of Phase 3 of MoveSJ, which is the plan guiding transportation infrastructure investments within the city for the next 25 years.

Transportation director Tim O’Reilly said cycling and transit can contribute to lower vehicle demand on city streets.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention at this point that active transportation modes such as cycling as well as transit can contribute to lower vehicle demand thereby delaying or preventing capacity issues on city streets, but we need to manage expectations with how many citizens will constantly travel by bike instead of a car.”

During a phone survey, city staff discovered that several residents support infrastructure, however, not at the cost of other transportation services.

“There was also particular concern from the business community for trading on-street parking spaces for bike lanes, it was also interesting to see support was greater for cycling closer to the core of the city,” said O’Reilly.

O’Reilly added several respondents outlined that they are in support of a 10-minute travel time impact, however, no more than 10 minutes.

Council supported to receive and file the presentation. They will be asked to endorse Phase 3 as a whole once the rest of it is presented.