Abstract Manager

Background Information 
Integrating bicycles into Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects is a progressive strategy to enhance urban mobility in Canadian cities. Egis has developed innovative approaches to address the technical and operational challenges at the intersection of cycling and tramway infrastructure, aiming to improve safety, efficiency, and appeal of active transportation. 
 
Key Issues 
Cyclists and tramways have distinct operational needs—cyclists are flexible and responsive, while tramways follow fixed routes with limited maneuverability and priority over other users. Key challenges include designing safe crossings, minimizing conflicts with pedestrians, and ensuring clear, self-explanatory infrastructure. Complex intersections and proximity to tramways further complicate facility design, requiring solutions that balance safety and efficiency for all users. 
 
Objectives 
This initiative aims to: 
1. Enhance safety and usability at bicycle-tramway intersections. 
2. Minimize conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians, and tramways. 
3. Promote multimodal integration and network connectivity. 
4. Establish design standards that can be replicated across Canadian LRT projects. 
 
Methodology 
Egis applies a multimodal, user-centered approach, drawing on international best practices and adapting them to Canadian context. Technical solutions include: 
 

• Designing high-quality cycling paths outside tramway platforms. 

• Ensuring crossings occur at angles greater than 60 degrees to reduce slipping risks. 

• Creating clear signage and markings for visibility and guidance. 

• Using both shared zones (with strategic pedestrian crossings) and dedicated bicycle lanes to reduce conflicts. 

• Implementing synchronized signals for bikes and tramways, and tailored solutions for left turns and complex intersections. 

• Adapting layouts to local constraints while prioritizing safety and comfort. 

Conclusion 
Egis’s approach demonstrates how technical excellence and user-focused design can transform urban mobility. By integrating cycling facilities within LRT infrastructure, cities can increase active transportation usage, reduce congestion and gas emissions, creating healthier communities. These strategies are already shaping projects like the Gatineau-Ottawa tramway and are transferable to future Canadian LRT developments. Egis’s methodology sets new standards for sustainable, multimodal urban transport, supporting accessible and attractive mobility for all.