Cycling
Construction on Athol Street in downtown Oshawa
The Regional Municipality of Durham, in partnership with the City of Oshawa, would like to advise residents that a portion of Athol Street in downtown Oshawa will be under construction beginning March 4 and is expected to be complete by August 2.
Where: Athol Street, between Centre Street South and Mary Street in the City of Oshawa, will be reduced to one-way eastbound traffic only. There will also be periodic lane restrictions on Centre Street South, Celina Street and Albert Street.
Why: Durham Region will be replacing watermains and sanitary sewers on Athol Street, between Centre Street South and Albert Street. As part of this work, the City of Oshawa will construct the new Athol Street cycle track. The cycle track, which will run between Centre and Mary streets, will be separate from the road and sidewalk. The track combines the user experience of a dedicated path with the on-street infrastructure of a conventional bike lane.
Note: Overnight and weekend work will be required; work may be disruptive and noisy. Durham Region and the City of Oshawa will make every effort to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. Drivers are asked to exercise caution for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and construction workers.
Businesses remain open, and access for local businesses and residents will be maintained at all times. For more information about Regional construction, design and environmental assessment projects, visit durham.ca/WorksProjects or view the construction notice now.
Athol Street Cycle Tracks
The City of Oshawa is proceeding with cycle tracks, also known as separated bike lanes, along Athol Street from Mary Street to Centre Street. The implementation of the cycle tracks will be undertaken in conjunction with the Region of Durham's replacement of water and sanitary utilities along Athol Street from Centre Street to Albert Street. This work is expected to commence spring 2019 and be completed by the summer of 2019.
What is a bike lane?
A conventional bike lane is located in the travelled portion of the roadway to provide one-way bicycle traffic in the same direction as the cars. A dedicated bike lane requires a by-law, which prohibits on-street parking within the bike lane. The lane is identified with bicycle and diamond pavement markings. Cyclists using bike lanes are subject to the same rights and rules of the road as motor vehicles. Schedule 25 of the Traffic By-law identifies designated bicycle lanes within the City.
What is a bike route?
A bike route can either be on-road or off-road. On-road routes are sometimes marked through signage and by painted lines. Where permitted motorists are able to park in a cycling route.
Active Transportation Network
Active transportation is a means of getting around that is powered by human energy, primarily walking and bicycling.
Just as our existing motorized transportation networks connect destinations via an interconnected system of roadways that enable people to get from A to B, active transportation networks allow people to do the same thing by walking and bicycling. Imagine a system of trails, quiet neighbourhood streets, bike lanes and cycle tracks that connect your home with your work, school, shopping, entertainment and other destinations.
Learn more about our Parks, Trails and Natural Areas.
Visit our Integrated Transportation Master Plan webpage for information on our planning for future transportation needs.
Durham Region Transit
Durham Region Transit's Bike and Ride program has installed a bike rack on every bus to encourage cyclists to combine cycling with public transit.
Cycling safety
- Ministry of Transportation Bicycling Rules and Safety Tips
- Region of Durham Health Department, Bike Safety
E-bikes
For the safety of all it is important that users understand the classification of an e-bike, the rules of the road, and use caution and courtesy when operating e-bikes on our trails.
Visit our E-bikes webpage for more information about e-bikes.