P.O. BOX 684 GANGES SALT SPRING ISLAND B.C. V8K 2W3 www.islandpathways.

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DATE: TO:

11 APRIL 2013 SALT SPRING ISLAND FERRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SSIFAC) ISLAND PATHWAYS PROPOSED BC FERRY CORPORATION (BCFC) APPROPRIATION AND REDESIGN OF FULFORD-GANGES ROAD (FULFORD TERMINAL UPGRADE PHASE 1)

FROM: SUBJECT: BACKGROUND

In July 2011, BCFC presented its proposed Master Plan to upgrade the Fulford Ferry terminal. In September 2011, submissions to BCFC by Island Pathways and the BC Cycling Coalition (BCCC) expressed concern that the needs of pedestrians and cyclists using the terminal were not addressed. Neither Island Pathways, nor BCCC have received any communication from BCFC since the July 2011 meeting. On February 27, 2013, BCFC hosted a meeting to preview the Master Plan with the SSIFAC Chair and his guests. Figure 1 provides a high level summary of changes made to the plan between July 2011 and February 2013. While lane widths for automotive parking and through traffic have increased, pedestrian and cyclist access/egress has been downgraded from a 1.5m sidewalk to a 1 to 1.2m paved shoulder. Figure 1: Comparison of Assigned Roadbed Widths - July 2011 & Feb 2013 ISSUE: BCFCs proposed appropriation and redesign of Fulford-Ganges Road is unacceptable. The design does not reflect current active transportation design standards and may increase the vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists approaching and leaving the terminal, the local business area and adjacent neighbourhoods.

CONSIDERATIONS BCFC disregard for pedestrian and cyclist ferry users is counter-intuitive. Pedestrian and cyclist use of the Fulford Terminal is highest during the five-month period beginning in May and ending in September. This timeframe corresponds with the heaviest volumes of motor vehicle traffic. In 2012, cyclist passengers represented between 12.8% and 17.8% of all walk-ons (Table 1). Table 1: 2012 Foot & Cycling Passenger Volumes Route 4 (Fulford Swartz Bay)

Month May June July August Sept TOTAL

Foot Passengers 5,246 4,985 6,123 6,716 5,508 28,578

Cyclist Passengers 770 1078 963 1141 871 4,823

Total Foot & Cyclist Passengers 6,016 6,063 7,086 7,857 6,379 33,401

%age of Walkons Cycling 12.8% 17.8% 13.6% 14.5% 13.7% 14.4%

Pedestrians and cyclists represent a significant and growing share of ferry users. Unlike most ferry demographics, cyclist passenger utilization of Route 4 is increasing on a year-over-year basis. Between 2010 and 2012, the rate of cyclist passenger utilization of Route 4 increased from 3,894 to 4,823, an increase of 23.9% or approximately 12% per year (Table 2). BCFCs Coastal Engagement materials reported that, in 2011/12, BCFC experienced the lowest vehicle utilization rates in 13 years and lowest foot passenger utilization in 21 years. BCFC car and driver peak season fares have increased by 252% from $12.50 in 1987 to $43.95 in 2012. Table 2: Cyclist Volumes - Route 4 (Fulford-Swartz Bay) 2010 to 2012 2010 2011 2012 Increase since 2010

Month May June July August September TOTAL

660 685 968 960 621 3,894

576 647 986 1052 621 3,882

770 1,078 963 1,141 871 4,823

16.7% 57.4% -0.5% 18.9% 40.3% 23.9%

The proposed BCFC plan does not meet minimum standards for upgrading major rural roads, i.e., Fulford-Ganges Road. BCFC has not responded to Island Pathways enquiries about the safety of its design for active transportation users. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS It is recommended that 1. BCFC document how its proposed roadbed design will accommodate safe access and egress for pedestrians and cyclists during peak (May through September) periods and identify which measures (e.g., signage, lane markings, policies and procedures) will be applied to limit pedestrian and cyclist risk of injury and/or collision once the upgrade is completed. 2. BCFC share Recommendation 1 documents with the public prior to moving forward with its Phase 1 terminal upgrade.