Oshawa has expanded its cycling options in the downtown core and furthered its commitment to active transportation with the newly opened Athol Street cycle tracks.
The cycle tracks were installed this summer on both the north and south sides of Athol Street, between Centre and Mary streets.
First of their kind in the city, the Athol Street cycle tracks provide a dedicated path with physically separated lanes for bicycles. This provides one-way bicycle traffic in the same direction as the cars with cyclists separated from vehicle traffic by a curb.
The new cycle tracks connect the existing bike lanes along Mary Street and Athol Street (east of Mary Street) to City Hall, the Civic Square and the Michael Starr Trail. Pavement markings and signage have been added along Charles Street and Bruce Street to provide a seamless connection from the cycle track to the trail.
The construction of the cycle tracks followed public engagement in 2017, in which the City invited feedback from community members on cycling options along Athol Street from Mary Street to Centre Street.
Bicycle Friendly
Oshawa was one of the first municipalities in Ontario to be designated a bicycle friendly community by Canada’s Share the Road Cycling Coalition and is always looking to enhance and promote safe, sustainable and accessible transportation within and through the city.
In 2015, City Council endorsed the Active Transportation Master Plan, which recommends a connected, attractive and convenient active transportation system that expands recreation options, encourages sustainable modes of transportation, respects the natural scenic character and supports economic development.
