2024 R49 – Improved Road Design for Vulnerable Road Users

Whereas the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure road design standards prioritize the efficient movement of motor vehicles over the safety of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, transit users, and cyclists;

And whereas narrow road rights-of-way and topographic challenges in rural areas often make it impossible for active transportation infrastructure to be built to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Active Transportation Design Guide of separated paths along road corridors;

And whereas the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will not approve, fund, or maintain any road improvements that don’t meet their Active Transportation Design Guide:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to instruct the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users in their road design standards;

And be it further resolved that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure recognize the practical challenges of active transportation in rural areas and approve, fund and maintain minor road improvements that increase safety for vulnerable road users, such as paved shoulders and crosswalks.