The plan for permanent bike lanes along a stretch of Wellington Crescent is starting to take shape. The city is looking for a consultant to design separated bike lanes to run on the roadway between Academy Road (at the Maryland Bridge) and Stradbrook Avenue. Initially, the city planned to install temporary bike lanes as part of a pilot project; however, city council voted in March to install permanent lanes instead. Construction is expected to happen in spring-summer 2027 with a price tag of around $5.5 million. A request for proposals (RFP) issued last week describes the stretch as “a gap in the city’s cycling network between protected bike lanes on River Avenue and Stradbrook Avenue and the seasonal bike route on Wellington Crescent west of Academy Road.” According to the RFP, the winning bid will be required to submit two preliminary design options. The RFP notes the designs need to include separate bike lanes, maximize traffic flow along the corridor, and be ready for construction next year. Plans should also maintain or expand parking where possible and maintain emergency access to the area. “Designs will balance the needs of all users, including emergency services, Transit and school buses, solid waste collection trucks, maintenance vehicles (snow clearing, street sweeping, etc.), passenger vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians,” the RFP states. It also notes design plans should consider taking a ‘holistic approach’ to the corridor by improving walkability in the area, maintaining the existing tree canopy, and fixing up parks along the route. The RFP said an independent consultant will complete a road safety audit of the conceptual plan. Currently, the roadway is four lanes with a 50 km/h speed limit. However, city council has indicated it will be reduced to 40 km/h this spring. The deadline for submission is May 15, and the city plans to award the $300,000 contract by June 4. The city said public engagement will take place in January and work will begin on the bike lanes in the spring.
