C2C: Principles and Actions
1. Increased Inclusive bike transport to campus
Unlike cars, bikes are available to people of all ages and incomes; however, only a very small portion of the public are “fearless” and “confident” to cycle, undeterred by motor vehicles and the lack of cycling infrastructure. Those that fit into these categories are typically male and have higher income status. In contrast, those who are reluctant to cycle are more likely female and have lower income status. Generally, most people prefer to avoid the anxiety and tension of cycling in mixed traffic and the risks to potential safety.
We are committed to make cycling available to all. The University of Alberta is a diverse community and strives to be a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Likewise, “inclusivity” must be integrated into the planning and implementation of cycling infrastructure to and on campus so that all students, staff, and visitors, regardless of their age, ability, gender, income level, language, ethnic, cultural, or religious background, are able to choose this form of transport to campus.
ACTIONS
• Creating and expanding existing bike library programs at UofA campuses
• Full integration of cycling with public transport to campus
• Ensure well designed and managed cycling infrastructure to and on campus
2. Safe, well-designed and managed infrastructure for people to cycle
Generally, many people are interested in cycling as a form of transportation but are concerned for their personal safety due to motor vehicles. Creating a culture of cycling at the UofA requires an investment in safe, well-designed and managed infrastructure for people to cycle.
ACTIONS
Along routes to and on campus, we must:
• Make traffic priority for cyclists at intersections, combined with various intersection design modifications to mitigate car-bike conflicts at crossings (e.g. Bike boxes, advance stop lines, special bicycle traffic signals, special marking and coloration of bike lanes).
• Build more bike lanes, multi-use pathways and cycle tracks to campus that separate cyclists from vehicles and pedestrians
• Create better signage and maps to show bike routes to campus
• Create ample bike parking, including secure and sheltered facilities
3. Improve integration of cycling networks to campus
The UofA community has a right to a network of connected, direct and easy to follow cycling routes which are safe and well maintained, linking them to campus, their homes, and other destinations, such as shops, community services, and public transport changes.
ACTIONS
• Build and maintain high-quality networks of connected, functional and safe cycling routes between campus and local destinations that meet the needs of students, staff, and visitors
• Design public transport stops and interchanges with easy, safe, and convenient access for cyclists
4. Supportive Policies
The adoption of diverse but complementary approaches including legislation, fiscal measures, and organizational change is necessary in order create a culture for cycling at the UofA.
ACTIONS
• Development of a clear and comprehensive strategic plan for cycling infrastructure to connect UofA campuses.
• Restriction of car use on campus
• Increased fees on car parking
5. Education for students, staff, and visitors
Comprehensive education and training is integral for both cyclists and motorists. This education should include information on how to bike, bicycle safety, cycling routes to campus, and the personal and societal benefits of cycling. Cycling contributes to healthy lifestyles, healthy communities, and a healthy environment.
ACTIONS
• Promotional, marketing, and informational events at the UofA to generate enthusiasm and community support for cycling
• Integrate cycling education into orientation and on-going staff and student professional development opportunities at the UofA