Ottawa Cyclists Face Challenges as Roadwork Creates ‘ConeFest’

Cyclists in Ottawa are facing significant challenges as ongoing roadwork creates obstacles in bike lanes throughout the city. This situation has led to a humorous yet frustrating phenomenon dubbed “ConeFest” by local residents, particularly by avid cyclist Adam Hunt, who has made it a point to document the prevalence of construction cones around town.

Hunt’s lighthearted commentary on the extensive presence of traffic cones underscores a serious issue for cyclists. He recently highlighted an area on Hunt Club Road, west of Bank Street, where construction pylons obstruct bike lanes for approximately one kilometer. In this instance, there is no visible construction, leaving cyclists to navigate the hazardous situation by either taking to the sidewalk or risking a confrontation with vehicle traffic.

According to Hunt, “Most of the time we just bike around them … but in this case they’re blocking the bike lanes.” He expressed concern about the safety implications, noting that on a recent ride, he had to divert ten times to avoid construction obstacles. Hunt remarked, “This city has been torn up for the past eight years, and it’s gotten worse over time.”

Hunt is not alone in his frustrations. Michael Creighton, another long-time cyclist, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the infrastructure in Ottawa is predominantly designed for motor vehicles, leaving cyclists feeling sidelined. “When you remove a space that’s been carved out for cyclists, it’s telling us we’re not a priority,” Creighton commented. His observations included a near-miss incident involving a cyclist forced onto the sidewalk due to the pylons.

The stakes for cyclists have recently become more pronounced following tragic incidents. On July 26, a woman in her 70s was killed when struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle on Mitch Owens Road. Just days prior, another cyclist suffered life-threatening injuries in Stittsville, and a nine-year-old boy was hit in Barrhaven. Creighton lamented, “When you humanize it … the stakes are much higher,” stressing the need for safer cycling conditions in Ottawa.

Advocacy for improved safety measures is gaining traction. Tom Ledgley, a co-ordinator with the group Horizon Ottawa, emphasized that maintaining clear pathways for active transportation is essential for reducing road injuries. “You can’t go more than a week without a new news story about a cyclist that’s been hit by a car,” Ledgley noted, calling for a stronger commitment to the principles of Vision Zero, a global initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities.

Recently, Somerset ward Councillor Ariel Troster reinforced the need for a robust Vision Zero strategy, advocating for changes like eliminating right-hand turns on red lights in downtown Ottawa. “If we’re just going to wait for an accident to happen at every single intersection, or for somebody to die on every specific road, we’re never going to get anywhere with reducing injuries and deaths,” Ledgley stated. He expressed hope that future plans would physically separate cyclists and pedestrians from vehicle traffic.

Despite the pervasive issues, Hunt acknowledged that Ottawa drivers are generally respectful of cyclists. He remarked, “ConeFest is really as much for drivers as it is for cyclists and even pedestrians.” He remains optimistic about the future of Ottawa’s infrastructure, believing that once completed, the city will be a better place for all its residents.

As roadwork continues to shape the urban landscape, the call for a safer and more cyclist-friendly environment grows louder. Advocates like Ledgley and community members like Hunt and Creighton are determined to see meaningful changes that prioritize the safety of all road users in Ottawa.