Newmarket mayor calls future Mulock Multi-Use Path 'phenomenal'; two cycling and climate change experts have concerns

'It’s not a ringing endorsement (but) we're not trashing it by any means'

Yorkregion.com
July 4, 2023
Lisa Queen

When construction of the Mulock Multi-Use Path (MUP), which began last month, is completed in 2025, it will provide a six-kilometre off-road route for cyclists and pedestrians, with access for all abilities.

Mayor John Taylor calls the MUP one of the most significant trail and path expansions in the town’s history, accommodating both active and recreational non-motorized transportation, which reduces greenhouse emissions.

Cycling and climate change experts Peggy Stevens and Dave Kempton applaud the MUP, but argue that there are drawbacks with its design.

“It’s not a ringing endorsement, but if that’s what we’re going to get, we will use it,” Stevens said.

“We’re not trashing it by any means. Given what they had to work with, I think they did a really good job.”

Stretching from Harry Walker Parkway to Bathurst Street, the path will link the Harry Walker employment area, the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, Newmarket High School, the Magna Centre and Newmarket Outdoor Skatepark, the anticipated future GO train station, the town administrative offices, the Tom Taylor Trail, the future Mulock Park and Sir William Mulock Secondary School.

The path’s budget is $7.6 million, split between the Region of York and the town, with the town’s portion coming from the Shining Hill developer and development charges, so there is no direct cost to local taxpayers.

“It’s going to be a phenomenal addition to ways for people to move about town, whether that’s active transportation or recreational,” Taylor said.

“I think it’s something residents value but on top of that, I think it’s important in terms of Newmarket’s participation in trying to provide people with more opportunities to get out of their car, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to participate in active transportation, to reduce the impact of congestion on our roads, etc.”

It may allow some families to go down to a one-car household, which is important in today’s economy, he said.

Stevens and Kempton, members of Cycle Newmarket and Climate Action Newmarket-Aurora, agree the MUP will provide a needed east-west path separated from busy Mulock that will encourage people to get out of their cars.

But rather than providing dedicated one-direction bike lanes, the MUP will be bidirectional and accommodate cyclists and pedestrians participating in recreational and active transportation pursuits, opening up the possibility of conflict between users.

Meanwhile, the path will cross back and forth across Mulock, running on the north side from Harry Walker to Leslie Street, on the south side from Leslie to Fernbank/College Manor, on the north side to Columbus Way/Doubletree Lane and on the south side to Bathurst.

Crossings are needed to accommodate engineering and budget issues, Taylor said.

Stevens and Kempton believe the MUP is causing the town to drag its feet on putting in bike lanes elsewhere.

Taylor pointed out that the town is building bike lanes on the reconstructed Lorne Avenue, but acknowledged that the municipality has to revisit other bike lanes that have been paused.

Kempton and Stevens urge the town to deliver on its dedicated active transportation network for cyclists who use their bikes as their mode of transportation rather than merely for recreation.

“I think the fundamental problem is a lot of people, including on council, see bicycles as a problem,” Kempton said.

“We see bicycles as a solution to climate (change), to traffic, to health because you’re active. It’s a multilayered solution.”

Pamela Vega, a Climate Action member and a mother of young children, said it’s “daunting” cycling on busy Mulock.

“I also walk along Mulock and it gets tricky letting cyclists pass me on the sidewalk when I have a stroller and a dog with me. There just isn't enough space for all of us,” she said.

“It will be wonderful to have a path that is safe for both cyclists and pedestrians, one where we aren't sharing just a narrow strip of sidewalk.”

Vega hopes the path is a sign of a “cultural shift” in people’s thinking as they leave the car keys behind, which helps reduce rising greenhouse gas emissions.