A proposal to ban Sunday vehicle traffic on Preston Street could be implemented by the summer of 2011, but community members say there are many potential roadblocks.
The pilot stage, which the Preston Street Business Improvement Area is currently working on, would close the street on four Sundays in July this year.
On those days, the street would become a pedestrian and bicycle route to connect Ottawa River bikeways to the Rideau Canal’s recreational paths as a circuit for the National Capital Commission’s “Sunday Bikedays”.
Lori Mellor, executive director of the BIA, says if the pilot goes well she is hoping the program will run throughout the summer by 2011.
“The goal was really to get people out here on their bikes, on their rollerblades, on their feet, and really enjoy this pedestrian experience,” says Mellor.
Mellor says the response from restaurants in the area has been very positive.
“I feel they are quite excited about it,” she says. “They recognize that a lot of their clients would love to be able to cycle here on Sundays.”
Zlatko Krstulich, president of Citizens for Safe Cycling, says he is pleased to see more cycle-friendly routes in Ottawa and hopes other city neighbourhoods take similar initiatives.
“Kudos to (the BIA),” he says.
“Let’s see if we can make this experiment a success.”
But others are expressing concern over the proposal.
Archie Campbell, a member of the Dalhousie Community Association, says although he is not opposed to the plan, he doesn’t think it has been well thought-out.
He wants to know what will happen to the bus route that runs along Preston and about the potential increase in traffic and parking on adjacent residential streets.
Jessica Scallen, who has lived on Preston for two years, says she was surprised to learn about the plan.
“I get the impression that it’s sort of a done deal and it doesn’t matter how the residents feel about it,” she says.
Scallen lives north of Somerset Street, an area of Preston she describes as quite residential. She parks on the street and is worried about whether it will be safe for her to come and go with cyclists and pedestrians all around.
She says she likes the idea of more cycling in the city, but isn’t sure if Preston is the best place.
“I’m kind of worried because I like the culture of the street, I like that it’s quiet on Sunday,” she says. “You walk down the street and you have a very nice neighbourhood atmosphere. Will that change? Will it be more commercial? I don’t know if that’s exactly where the community wants to go.”
Mellor says she is aware of the many possible setbacks. She is currently considering possible solutions, including keeping one lane open to vehicle traffic to make it easier for residents to get to their houses and to the local stores.
“We’re not trying to make life difficult with them,” she says. “We’re hoping they appreciate what were trying to do.”