Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Council approved the Bike Master Plan in 2019. Its vision is to create “a safe, inclusive, and convenient cycling network that is well-connected, attractive and reflective of the City’s unique topography and climate. As part of an integrated mobility network, this is supported by policies and programs that promote a cycling friendly culture.” The city has a strategic direction to be a City that Moves with a goal to expand and maintain a safe and accessible active transportation network. 

Part of Canada Drive, from Columbus Drive to Team Gushue Highway extension, is identified as one of the corridors in the backbone network that will connect Columbus Drive to Kelly's Brook shared-use-path (SUP). Since parts of Canada Drive are identified for street rehabilitation in 2023 and beyond, any changes to the use of the street will be carried out during the design and construction phase. 

The St. John's Bike Master Plan has a list of cycling routes recommended for a full network. They represent a set of comfortable, connected, convenient, and attractive bicycle routes that serve the vision of the Plan. Within the full network, a subset cycling backbone network is identified that supports commuter needs, along with recreational and social experiences. These routes are prioritized to form a core citywide network of comfortable and attractive bike routes ensuring basic connectivity across the city.

Council has committed to adopt a sustainable mode share target of 16% to be achieved by 2030 and 22% by 2050 (Decision Note November 2022). This is possible only if the City continues to invest more in transit, pedestrian, and bike facilities. Investments in active transportation are identified in the City's Strategic Plan under the direction to be a city that moves. 

The plan right now is to complete sections that help connect to Kelly's Brook Trail as well as where streets rehab work is planned. Any remaining sections will be done coinciding with roads rehab or as funding becomes available. The goal is to have a fully connected backbone network from east to west. We don't have a completion date at this time as it will depend on funding availability.

The cost to connect to the existing SUP at Captain Whalen Drive and extend to Cowan Avenue is approximately $1.1 M.  The City has applied for funding under an active transportation cost-shared program available with the federal government.  It should be noted that this is the cost if it is not done in conjunction with any other street rehabilitation work.  However, the City is planning for streets rehabilitation work along Canada Drive, from Columbus Drive to Cowan Avenue, over the next few years which is in line with the SUP sections being considered in 2023 and 2024.  This will significantly reduce the SUP costs.  

The side of the street with even-numbered houses on Canada Drive has relatively fewer intersections. This means pedestrians and cyclists will have less exposure to conflicts at the intersections. Also, fewer street lights would need relocation, thereby saving on project cost.

No. There are two options considered for this project implementation both of which allow for parking on the street. Option 1-parking is allowed on one side of Canada Drive. Option 2 - parking is allowed on both sides of Canada Drive. 

The main decision point at this time is which of the following two options presented is preferred for final design. 

• Option 1 - Bidirectional bike path (north side), sidewalks on both sides, parking on south side (odd numbered houses). 
• Option 2 - Shared-use path (north side) - sidewalk on the other side, parking on both sides. 

Both options are being presented and stakeholders can provide their input. Based on the feedback, a recommendation will be made to Council.

Generally speaking, active transportation describes all human-powered forms of travel. This includes people moving on foot (walking, jogging or running) and people using bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, strollers, skateboards, in-line skates and more! Walking and biking are among the most popular and can be combined with other modes, such as public transit. Walking to the store, rolling to school, and biking to the recreation centre are some examples of active transportation.

A shared-use path is a roadside facility for active transportation where people walking or using bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, strollers, skateboards, in-line skates etc. are allowed in both directions. Shared-use paths are frequently found in parks, along rivers, beaches and in greenbelts or utility corridors where there are few conflicts with motorized vehicles.

A bi-directional bike path is a roadside facility for the exclusive use of cycling where people biking can travel in both directions. It is commonly located alongside a sidewalk. 

Yes.  Unless there is a relatively high flow of pedestrians and cyclists, SUP should be sufficient for active transportation. According to the St John's  Bike Master Plan, when a trail regularly sees more than 100 people per hour, separation of people biking and pedestrians is recommended.

When sharing a path, all people using the space have responsibility to maintain each others’ safety. There are many best practices that help minimize user conflict and improve safety  (e.g., maintaining an appropriate speed, using a bell, using lights at night, keeping dogs under control, being aware of more vulnerable users).

Improved active transportation is linked to the following benefits:

• Improved health
• Recreational benefit
• Environmental responsibility
• Livable streets
• Government cost savings
• Personal financial benefit.

Further details on each of these benefits can be found in this link.