Newmarket east-west bikeway moving forward despite parking loss
New bikeway is expected to be completed this year

YorkRegion.com
May 19, 2017
Teresa Latchford

The east-west bike lane project is moving forward, despite residents' concern over the loss of on-street parking.

In 2016, the Town of Newmarket hired Marshall Macklin Monaghan to design and construct a five-kilometre cycling route that runs east and west, connecting to the existing north and south trail system. A provincial grant of $325,000 will cover half of the cost, with a requirement that the majority of the project be completed this year.

The route will stretch from the GO Transit bus station on Leslie Street via Eagle Street, Millard Avenue, Park Avenue, Main Street, Timothy Street, Prospect Street, and Srigley Street.

But Millard residents are concerned about the loss of on-street parking, including Nancy Fish.

 “We were surprised to find out the parking would be abolished in this plan, and at the public (information) session in no way were we allowed to get involved,” Fish said. “We walked into a plan that was already set in stone and would change our lives forever. We no longer feel like we are part of the community.”

She went on to explain the longtime residents on the street will lose 700 metres of on-street parking, which will become challenging for senior citizens in the winter who can’t park far and walk. She also said many use street parking for service vehicles, visitors, and caregivers when needed.

But Newmarket resident and cyclist Dave Kempten pointed out on-street parking and cyclists have never mixed, since both can be injured if a car door is opened without looking first and forcing cyclists into traffic to get around a parked vehicle.

“Cyclist safety should not be balanced with resident convenience,” he said. “On-street parking is a privilege and, in my view, a little elitist. Millard homes have driveways and many garages to park in.”

The province has already signed off on the design and the cyclist route that will include bike racks, shelters, and bike counters to track the number of users.

The project will go on as planned, but town staff have been directed to explore short-term parking solutions such as the 60 spaces in Haskett Park until a long-term solution can be found.