Protected Cycling Network Study

About the project

Many residents of our city want to feel more comfortable and secure when cycling in Guelph. In response, we are developing plans for a protected cycling network that will connect large parts of our community and help all riders feel comfortable biking along key streets in Guelph.

The Protected Cycling Network Study initiates the construction of the Cycling Spine Network recommended in the 2022 Transportation Master Plan (TMP). As part of this study, we assessed the feasibility of protected cycling facilities for all ages and abilities (AAA) along three corridors:

  • Eramosa Road between Woolwich Street to Victoria Road (Study Area A)
  • Gordon Street between Waterloo Avenue to Clair Road (Study Area B)
  • College Avenue between Janefield Avenue to Dundas Lane (Study Area C)

The study objectives were to develop conceptual designs for these roads that provide safe, continuous connections for cycling and micro-mobility, such as scooters, to and from community destinations, including major transit stops.

Cycle expansion map

What is AAA?

Community engagement

We completed two rounds of community engagement to develop the conceptual designs. Communications and engagement activities included a walking workshop, key informant interviews, stakeholder meetings and both in-person and online engagement. For more details on the community engagement, refer to the Engagement Summary Report.

Project schedule

  • Launch the study – November 2021
  • Round 1 community engagement – December 2021
  • Design protected cycling solutions for each corridor – November 2021 to February 2022
  • Evaluate design options and select the preferred approach – February to May 2022
  • Round 2 community engagement – July to August 2022
  • Plan for implementation – Fall 2022
  • Feasibility study reports – Spring 2023
  • Next steps: Detailed design and construction, subject to City of Guelph capital budget

The process and project funding

The Protected Cycling Network Study commenced in November 2021 and concluded in April 2023. Final documentation is published online at guelph.ca/cyclingnetwork

All three study corridors have followed the planning and design process for Schedule ‘A+’ projects under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (2000, as amended, “the Act”). However, as of March 3, 2023 all three study corridors are considered “exempt” from the Act and are not subject to statutory review periods.

Part of the funding to construct the Protected Cycling Network segments identified in this study is provided by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) grant.

Background documents and resources

Feasibility Study Report for Eramosa Road Cycling Improvements

Feasibility Study Report for Gordon Street Cycling Improvements

Feasibility Study Report for College Avenue Cycling Improvements

Protected Cycling Network Study: Engagement Summary Report

Protected Cycling Network Study: Evaluation Criteria

Protected Cycling Network Study: results of the first round of community engagement

Moving Guelph Forward – Transportation Master Plan Update

Cycling Master Plan – Bicycle-friendly GuelphFor more information

Kate Berry
Project Manager, Sustainable Transportation
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2357
[email protected]