91原创 Township will come up with a plan for connecting the patchwork of multi-use paths for cyclists and pedestrians that currently exist in Willoughby.
Councillor Michael Pratt put forward a motion at the Monday, May 26 meeting, calling for a completion plan for multi-use paths (MUPs) and greenway paths, including funding sources to bridge gaps in the paths, and a list of gaps to be updated as they're filled in.
MUPs are wider paved pathways that are intended for both pedestrians and cyclists, as well as users of scooters and other forms of wheeled transport.
As with road upgrades in Willoughby, for many years completion of MUPs relied on development, so areas that have seen construction may have MUPs, but areas that have not yet developed, or even individual properties that have sat vacant, create gaps in the MUP network.
Pratt's motion would look at the Township bridging those gaps where development is unlikely in the immediate future.
The next step as the MUPs are linked up will be preventing conflicts between their users, noted Coun. Tim Baillie.
"We've also discussed how important paint [painted lines] would be on this, to avoid a Vancouver Seawall confrontation between bikes and pedestrians," Baillie said.
"I've seen the potential and real life implications of sometimes conflict between pedestrians and those who are rolling on various devices," Pratt said, "and so I think this is a great first step in filling the gaps, but then I think the next step will be finding a way to demarcate on our MUPS who should be where."
Mayor Eric Woodward noted that the council has already been proactive in closing up significant gaps on the multi-use path network, including on 208 Street, 80 Avenue, and 202A Street.
In those areas, major road widening projects will include MUPs or sidewalks and bike lanes.
