More bike racks on the way for Sudbury

As the City of Greater Sudbury looks to review its official plan, cycling advocates are wondering whether more bike racks are going to become part of the city's future landscape.

The City of Sudbury's official plan says all municipal buildings and parks are supposed to be equipped with bike racks.

But that’s not where cyclist Deb McIntosh sees people locking up their bikes. Instead, people are locking their bikes to "trees, railings, signs [and] guard railings … over on Elgin they use whatever is nailed down," she said.

McIntosh, who is also the executive director of Rainbow Routes, a Sudbury-based organization promoting sustainable modes of transportation, said any new bike racks have to be in easy-to-access and visible locations.

"Usually we want to park our bikes where we can see them," she said. "If there isn't any bike parking near where we want to be, we're going to keep it with us or lock it to something close by."

McIntosh said she's found it difficult to find parking at places like Bell Park and local grocery stores.

Good start

The city’s manager of community partnerships says Sudbury is working to equip all municipally-owned buildings and parks with bike racks — but it’s a process that could take several years

"There's been money allocated by council to purchase more bike racks," Chris Gore said.

"You know, it will be an ongoing goal because we have a lot of facilities and have some catching up to do, but we're certainly endeavoring to get a good start on that."

One such example is a bike rack installed at the new Sudbury Public Library in the city's south end — which has both cyclists and non-cyclists talking.

The rack spells the word "books" and is just one example of an unconventionally shaped bike rack in the city.

McIntosh said bike racks that serve the dual purpose of art and practicality are a bonus for cycling infrastructure.

"A creative bike rack, like the one at the library, people are drawn to it and they notice it," she said. "So being more creative and getting people talking about bicycle parking is important in moving things forward."

Despite the need for more bike racks, McIntosh said a top priority for the city should be to create an environment for cyclists that is safe — particularly on the roads.