I said in my previous post in this series, I would next head to Hartzel road and Glendale. After being informed by one of my readers (thanks Jerry) that Hartzel Road was re-surfaced with bike lanes, I thought I would check it out this morning before doing some shopping (only 15km round trip out of the way :p)
Here is the last picture I took of Hartzel back in November 2011.
I always found it unpleasant to ride along…Until now. I know I call this “When the Bike lanes stopped”, but I have to give credit to the city as this is one of the more well done bike lanes in the city.
Just like Scott and Vine Street’s, Hartzel now has gone from four lanes down to two, with a centre turning lane.
I thought the city was backing away from putting bike lanes on Hartzel, mainly because the Home Hardware (right) complained.
I don’t see how these bike lanes hurt them one bit.
Now onto the best feature -- something rather rare with bike lanes in this city.
The city actually put the right turn lane in the proper location. Most of the time bike lanes either end or merge into turning lanes!
Regrettably the bike lane does end here for about 100-200 metres. It starts on the bridge again. I didn’t bother going any further -- but I suspect the bike lane still ends after the bridge.
The “Bike Lane Ends” sign is actually rather misleading -- since the bike lane doesn’t really end.
Two ‘firsts’ for the city…
A dedicated left turn lane onto Queenston for bikes, as well as the bike lane continuing on the right hand side. It merges with the bike lane already on Queenston Street.
The only thing I would have liked the city to do, is include a coloured bike lane that crosses the right turn lane.
After turning right, you merge with this bike lane on Queenston (heading east).
The first video is coming from Queenston and travelling along the new bike lane to where it ends.
The second video just shows the through bike lane/right turn for cars -- as well as the left turn lane onto Queenston.
I do suspect whenever I get around to doing Glendale, I won’t be as kind -- but the city did a rather nice job on Hartzel!
This should help to bring out more cyclists to the area, they may even stop by one of the shops to spend money! I do happen to go out to Hartzel Rd. often and it was a little hairy to be on the street with the fast traffic.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I do travel along Hartzel, I do see a few people on bikes -- usually on the sidewalk mind you.
ReplyDeleteWhen I took those pictures, I couldn't believe the number of people I saw on bikes (all using the bike lane!)
Although I live in the complete opposite end of the city, I may actually make special trips that way now. Much more enjoyable to cycle along Hartzel!