City asks for help to redesign bike maps

Kitchener wants to hear from cyclists about how it can improve its bike map.

The maps were first introduced in 2013, and are updated every couple of years to include any new cycling lanes or trails that have been built in the meantime.

But this time, cycling advocates at the city are hoping to get feedback on a broader range of issues, such as whether the map is the right size, what information should be included, the type of paper used, and even the way the map unfolds.

Some people have suggested the map should indicate the different types of surface a bike trail can have — whether it’s stone dust, asphalt and so on.

But the map already indicates whether the route is an off-road path or on-road cycling lane, and the fear is that adding more detail might make the map quite cluttered, said Danny Pimentel, who promotes cycling at the city.

“Not everything can go on the map. Those are some of the challenges,” Pimentel said.

Some comments received so far suggest that the legend for the current map is confusing; that the map, which spreads over both sides, doesn’t flip logically; and that the map’s waterproof, tearproof paper is great.

The maps cost about $2.50 each to produce. The maps, which are free, are quite popular, Pimentel said — the city hands out about 1,000 copies each year.

“The basic idea is so that people can try and plan (bike) trips, so they know where they’re going,” he said.

“Not everybody is comfortable or confident using apps.”

People can send any suggestions about what the map should or shouldn’t contain by emailing cycling@kitchener.ca.

The city hopes to hear from people by the end of November.