Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, along with other council members, found various issues with the Region's cycling plan when the latest report came to the executive committee Monday. The plan to connect on-and-off road cycling routes and facilities is to be implemented in two phases: 2008 to 2012 and 2013 to 2032. Roads have been designated as either getting: signs only, multi-use trails and bike lanes, which are separate from the roadway; and, paved shoulder bikeways. Phase 1 will cost the City about $2.2 million and phase two about $1.2 million.

Although the committee agreed on the importance of promoting cycling, Pickering-specific routes received some criticism.

Five of Pickering's roads will get bike lanes, 11 will get paved shoulders and eight will get multi-use trails. Sixteen Pickering roads have been designated as "signed only routes," which means no physical changes will be made to the roads besides bicycle route signs. Coun. O'Connell didn't understand why the City would spend money on a "do-nothing approach.

"There is no need to spend the money on something that already exists," she said.

Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson asked if the Phase 1 cost has been figured into future budget projections. When director of corporate services and treasurer Gil Paterson said he doesn't believe so, Coun. Johnson said that's something to keep in mind. He also noted questions regarding who is responsible for the Seaton bike trails are sure to arise.

"I don't want to shoot holes in this report but I think we need to go a little deeper," Coun. Johnson said.

Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean pointed out Brock Road south of Hwy. 401 is the largest commercial area in Pickering, and no bike lane has been planned there. A multi-use trail is proposed, but not an actual lane on the road.

"It's important we do have a bike lane heading south to our industrial park," he said.

Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley wanted to ensure council and the public can still comment on the design elements. Director of operations and emergency services Everett Buntsma said there will be opportunities, and the Region will most likely hold a public meeting on the final design.