Duncan Rae
@dunrae.bsky.social
Build cities for people, not cars. | Spatial Design & Urbanism Consulting in Canada's Capital
Pinned
Duncan Rae
@dunrae.bsky.social
· Dec 8
Pushing the "make it worse" button on a $3.5B project sounds insane, right?
While I'm always excited for more transit in Canada, the Finch West LRT is showing #Ottawa something NOT to do for our future rapid lines like the Baseline Transitway.
Let's talk about two crucial words: Signal Priority.
While I'm always excited for more transit in Canada, the Finch West LRT is showing #Ottawa something NOT to do for our future rapid lines like the Baseline Transitway.
Let's talk about two crucial words: Signal Priority.
Reposted by Duncan Rae
Le #CEREMA vient de publier un dossier spécial "Carrefours cyclables en milieu urbain : les règles de conception". On y trouve les clés pour réussir un aménagement qui a toutes les chances de bien fonctionner. N'hésitez pas à l'utiliser. Avec un exemple à Clermont Ferrand ;) @cerema.bsky.social
December 19, 2025 at 6:27 AM
Le #CEREMA vient de publier un dossier spécial "Carrefours cyclables en milieu urbain : les règles de conception". On y trouve les clés pour réussir un aménagement qui a toutes les chances de bien fonctionner. N'hésitez pas à l'utiliser. Avec un exemple à Clermont Ferrand ;) @cerema.bsky.social
Open-source PAB infill templates are awesome, thank you!! Would love to make these work in Ottawa / Ontario as well 🤩
December 9, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Open-source PAB infill templates are awesome, thank you!! Would love to make these work in Ottawa / Ontario as well 🤩
Reposted by Duncan Rae
Working to come up with a reasonably simple rule set for single-stair infill buildings.
December 9, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Working to come up with a reasonably simple rule set for single-stair infill buildings.
Transitways should require:
Fast & comfortable vehicles that are dedicated to the line
Level platform boarding
Full right-of-way separation
Full Signal Priority
Appropriate stop spacing (0.5-1km apart)
High frequencies (Every ~5-10mins)
...standard. That's how you make transit truly work well. 🔥
Fast & comfortable vehicles that are dedicated to the line
Level platform boarding
Full right-of-way separation
Full Signal Priority
Appropriate stop spacing (0.5-1km apart)
High frequencies (Every ~5-10mins)
...standard. That's how you make transit truly work well. 🔥
December 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Transitways should require:
Fast & comfortable vehicles that are dedicated to the line
Level platform boarding
Full right-of-way separation
Full Signal Priority
Appropriate stop spacing (0.5-1km apart)
High frequencies (Every ~5-10mins)
...standard. That's how you make transit truly work well. 🔥
Fast & comfortable vehicles that are dedicated to the line
Level platform boarding
Full right-of-way separation
Full Signal Priority
Appropriate stop spacing (0.5-1km apart)
High frequencies (Every ~5-10mins)
...standard. That's how you make transit truly work well. 🔥
So... back to the Finch West LRT.
Here's the thing: They... installed it! It's there. But its turned OFF. And now this $3.5B project is being held back when it should be allowed to excel.
It's ridiculous (a bit pathetic honestly) but that's their decision. #Ottawa, let's ensure we don't repeat it.
Here's the thing: They... installed it! It's there. But its turned OFF. And now this $3.5B project is being held back when it should be allowed to excel.
It's ridiculous (a bit pathetic honestly) but that's their decision. #Ottawa, let's ensure we don't repeat it.
December 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
So... back to the Finch West LRT.
Here's the thing: They... installed it! It's there. But its turned OFF. And now this $3.5B project is being held back when it should be allowed to excel.
It's ridiculous (a bit pathetic honestly) but that's their decision. #Ottawa, let's ensure we don't repeat it.
Here's the thing: They... installed it! It's there. But its turned OFF. And now this $3.5B project is being held back when it should be allowed to excel.
It's ridiculous (a bit pathetic honestly) but that's their decision. #Ottawa, let's ensure we don't repeat it.
If we want transit in Canada we need to adapt to our context. Subways work really well in high density areas (and we should still build them where possible!) but much of our cities need transit in lower-density areas too.
This is where Priority Transitways come in, and we need to design them right.
This is where Priority Transitways come in, and we need to design them right.
December 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
If we want transit in Canada we need to adapt to our context. Subways work really well in high density areas (and we should still build them where possible!) but much of our cities need transit in lower-density areas too.
This is where Priority Transitways come in, and we need to design them right.
This is where Priority Transitways come in, and we need to design them right.
Making transit in Canada is theoretically easy, but hard politically.
Why? Money! 💸
That's why this is so important: This makes the Transitway work like it was almost an underground subway -- except it isn't, and as such is much, much less costly to build.
We're talking 5-10X LESS $/km here!
Why? Money! 💸
That's why this is so important: This makes the Transitway work like it was almost an underground subway -- except it isn't, and as such is much, much less costly to build.
We're talking 5-10X LESS $/km here!
December 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Making transit in Canada is theoretically easy, but hard politically.
Why? Money! 💸
That's why this is so important: This makes the Transitway work like it was almost an underground subway -- except it isn't, and as such is much, much less costly to build.
We're talking 5-10X LESS $/km here!
Why? Money! 💸
That's why this is so important: This makes the Transitway work like it was almost an underground subway -- except it isn't, and as such is much, much less costly to build.
We're talking 5-10X LESS $/km here!
Now, after just a few seconds, the transit vehicle passes through with (in Finch's case) up to 300 people through without stopping!
This dramatically speeds up the whole transit line, making it a much more convenient solution for the average person to get around.
Now that's efficiency. 💯
This dramatically speeds up the whole transit line, making it a much more convenient solution for the average person to get around.
Now that's efficiency. 💯
December 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Now, after just a few seconds, the transit vehicle passes through with (in Finch's case) up to 300 people through without stopping!
This dramatically speeds up the whole transit line, making it a much more convenient solution for the average person to get around.
Now that's efficiency. 💯
This dramatically speeds up the whole transit line, making it a much more convenient solution for the average person to get around.
Now that's efficiency. 💯
It's awesome, powerful, and should be requisite -- here's how it works:
As a transit vehicle approaches an intersection, the vehicle talks with the lights to let it know it's coming.
Instead of sitting & waiting through the light for a few vehicles to pass, we can flip the light direction.
As a transit vehicle approaches an intersection, the vehicle talks with the lights to let it know it's coming.
Instead of sitting & waiting through the light for a few vehicles to pass, we can flip the light direction.
December 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
It's awesome, powerful, and should be requisite -- here's how it works:
As a transit vehicle approaches an intersection, the vehicle talks with the lights to let it know it's coming.
Instead of sitting & waiting through the light for a few vehicles to pass, we can flip the light direction.
As a transit vehicle approaches an intersection, the vehicle talks with the lights to let it know it's coming.
Instead of sitting & waiting through the light for a few vehicles to pass, we can flip the light direction.
Pushing the "make it worse" button on a $3.5B project sounds insane, right?
While I'm always excited for more transit in Canada, the Finch West LRT is showing #Ottawa something NOT to do for our future rapid lines like the Baseline Transitway.
Let's talk about two crucial words: Signal Priority.
While I'm always excited for more transit in Canada, the Finch West LRT is showing #Ottawa something NOT to do for our future rapid lines like the Baseline Transitway.
Let's talk about two crucial words: Signal Priority.
December 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Pushing the "make it worse" button on a $3.5B project sounds insane, right?
While I'm always excited for more transit in Canada, the Finch West LRT is showing #Ottawa something NOT to do for our future rapid lines like the Baseline Transitway.
Let's talk about two crucial words: Signal Priority.
While I'm always excited for more transit in Canada, the Finch West LRT is showing #Ottawa something NOT to do for our future rapid lines like the Baseline Transitway.
Let's talk about two crucial words: Signal Priority.
While we need better design standards for our crossings, adopting the use of permeable pavement would really help in cases like these.
Went for a little stroll on my lunch to see the progress at Richmond/Golden. Seems like yet another project for which no one thought about where water pools. Yet another pedestrian crossing that will be treacherous in bad weather.
Good job team.
CC: @jleiper.bsky.social
Good job team.
CC: @jleiper.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 5:02 PM
While we need better design standards for our crossings, adopting the use of permeable pavement would really help in cases like these.
The more #transit, the better! Can't wait to ride the REM extension this Monday.
The REM is essential infrastructure — an automated light metro system across Greater Montréal that will connect more and more of the city as it grows.
Great cities have great public transit, and that’s what we’re investing to build more of across Canada in Budget 2025.
Great cities have great public transit, and that’s what we’re investing to build more of across Canada in Budget 2025.
November 14, 2025 at 10:57 PM
The more #transit, the better! Can't wait to ride the REM extension this Monday.
Reposted by Duncan Rae
There are two speed cameras on Walkley Rd between Bank and St Laurent that were installed in 2024. In 2022 that stretch of Walkley had 34 collisions with injuries. In 2024, after the cameras were turned on, there were just 4 collisions with injuries. Speed cameras work.
November 14, 2025 at 7:01 PM
There are two speed cameras on Walkley Rd between Bank and St Laurent that were installed in 2024. In 2022 that stretch of Walkley had 34 collisions with injuries. In 2024, after the cameras were turned on, there were just 4 collisions with injuries. Speed cameras work.
Reposted by Duncan Rae
Today marks the end of the Automated Speed Enforcement camera program across Ontario. For anyone concerned about the impact of speeding on the safety of vulnerable road users, and who believes in data-based decision-making, this day is filled with frustration, disappointment, and deep concern. 1/
November 14, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Today marks the end of the Automated Speed Enforcement camera program across Ontario. For anyone concerned about the impact of speeding on the safety of vulnerable road users, and who believes in data-based decision-making, this day is filled with frustration, disappointment, and deep concern. 1/
Reposted by Duncan Rae
Yeah, energy usage is important to consider. That's why I think limiting it to only hard-to-plow areas makes sense. It's easy to plow the straight sections, but a lot of snow can build up in say the intersections -- the area with the most conflict points where you want it to be as clear as possible!
November 10, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Yeah, energy usage is important to consider. That's why I think limiting it to only hard-to-plow areas makes sense. It's easy to plow the straight sections, but a lot of snow can build up in say the intersections -- the area with the most conflict points where you want it to be as clear as possible!
I'm excited to see how it works this year, both for heavy snow loads, as well as how it prevents ice formation on the surface.
November 9, 2025 at 6:57 PM
I'm excited to see how it works this year, both for heavy snow loads, as well as how it prevents ice formation on the surface.
With the first snowfall arriving in #Ottawa, I really wish we'd make it standard that for areas w/ complex/hard-to-plow surfaces (stairs/bus stops/bike racks/etc) we'd install heating (w/ permeable pavement) to melt snow and keep things clear & safe.
FYI, the new bridge at Kiweki Point is heated!🔥
FYI, the new bridge at Kiweki Point is heated!🔥
November 9, 2025 at 6:54 PM
With the first snowfall arriving in #Ottawa, I really wish we'd make it standard that for areas w/ complex/hard-to-plow surfaces (stairs/bus stops/bike racks/etc) we'd install heating (w/ permeable pavement) to melt snow and keep things clear & safe.
FYI, the new bridge at Kiweki Point is heated!🔥
FYI, the new bridge at Kiweki Point is heated!🔥
It's stupid that we even have to fight things like this.
The benefit of bike infrastructure in cities is clear. Ensuring there's a lane for everything (cars, transit, bikes, & walking) gives people choice, and when those choices are more space-efficient, that frees up room and eases congestion.
The benefit of bike infrastructure in cities is clear. Ensuring there's a lane for everything (cars, transit, bikes, & walking) gives people choice, and when those choices are more space-efficient, that frees up room and eases congestion.
Bill 60’s provision on banning bike lanes is
undemocratic
an assault on municipal autonomy
a threat to people’s safety
fiscally reckless
Voice your opposition. Send an email to the Premier, Minister Sarkaria, your local MPP all in one shot. See bottom of our post.
bikeottawa.ca/2025/10/30/o...
undemocratic
an assault on municipal autonomy
a threat to people’s safety
fiscally reckless
Voice your opposition. Send an email to the Premier, Minister Sarkaria, your local MPP all in one shot. See bottom of our post.
bikeottawa.ca/2025/10/30/o...
Ontario Bill 60: A Veto on a Safer, More Bikeable Ottawa
A provision buried deep in Ontario’s new omnibus legislation, Bill 60 (the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025), is a direct, immediate threat to road safety in Ottawa. It undermines years o…
bikeottawa.ca
October 31, 2025 at 2:53 PM
It's stupid that we even have to fight things like this.
The benefit of bike infrastructure in cities is clear. Ensuring there's a lane for everything (cars, transit, bikes, & walking) gives people choice, and when those choices are more space-efficient, that frees up room and eases congestion.
The benefit of bike infrastructure in cities is clear. Ensuring there's a lane for everything (cars, transit, bikes, & walking) gives people choice, and when those choices are more space-efficient, that frees up room and eases congestion.
Reposted by Duncan Rae
Bill 60’s provision on banning bike lanes is
undemocratic
an assault on municipal autonomy
a threat to people’s safety
fiscally reckless
Voice your opposition. Send an email to the Premier, Minister Sarkaria, your local MPP all in one shot. See bottom of our post.
bikeottawa.ca/2025/10/30/o...
undemocratic
an assault on municipal autonomy
a threat to people’s safety
fiscally reckless
Voice your opposition. Send an email to the Premier, Minister Sarkaria, your local MPP all in one shot. See bottom of our post.
bikeottawa.ca/2025/10/30/o...
Ontario Bill 60: A Veto on a Safer, More Bikeable Ottawa
A provision buried deep in Ontario’s new omnibus legislation, Bill 60 (the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025), is a direct, immediate threat to road safety in Ottawa. It undermines years o…
bikeottawa.ca
October 31, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Bill 60’s provision on banning bike lanes is
undemocratic
an assault on municipal autonomy
a threat to people’s safety
fiscally reckless
Voice your opposition. Send an email to the Premier, Minister Sarkaria, your local MPP all in one shot. See bottom of our post.
bikeottawa.ca/2025/10/30/o...
undemocratic
an assault on municipal autonomy
a threat to people’s safety
fiscally reckless
Voice your opposition. Send an email to the Premier, Minister Sarkaria, your local MPP all in one shot. See bottom of our post.
bikeottawa.ca/2025/10/30/o...
Reposted by Duncan Rae
Hey Ontario! You've heard of the disastrous Ford bill to destroy tenant rights, but did you know that Omnibus Bill 60 would entirely wipe out the ability of cities to right-size their roads by reducing lanes _at all_, not even just for bike lanes?
#onpoli #OttBike #ontario #ottawa
#onpoli #OttBike #ontario #ottawa
October 30, 2025 at 5:01 PM
It was also mentioned that paying for good design/"excellence" upfront can vastly reduce the number of change orders down the line, which ends up *saving* both time & money!
This is the 2nd time I’ve heard Edmonton City Architect Carol Belanger talk about procurement and design in his city. These are municipal buildings. They encourage excellence over cost, to get best value for residents.
October 9, 2025 at 10:37 PM
It was also mentioned that paying for good design/"excellence" upfront can vastly reduce the number of change orders down the line, which ends up *saving* both time & money!
Always love it when elected officials put their money where their mouth is.
Only by experiencing driving/transit/cycling/walking in Ottawa first hand can we truly start to make it better! 🔥🔥🔥
Only by experiencing driving/transit/cycling/walking in Ottawa first hand can we truly start to make it better! 🔥🔥🔥
October 9, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Always love it when elected officials put their money where their mouth is.
Only by experiencing driving/transit/cycling/walking in Ottawa first hand can we truly start to make it better! 🔥🔥🔥
Only by experiencing driving/transit/cycling/walking in Ottawa first hand can we truly start to make it better! 🔥🔥🔥
Reposted by Duncan Rae
When the City of Ottawa developed our protected intersection guide and cycle track standards, we looked to the City of Nanaimo for inspiration. Nanaimo was (and is) a North American leader for active transportation design standards and it is starting to pay off in a big way! youtu.be/pN5muvQ0-tM?...
The city that went Dutch...
YouTube video by Nic Laporte
youtu.be
October 5, 2025 at 12:53 AM
When the City of Ottawa developed our protected intersection guide and cycle track standards, we looked to the City of Nanaimo for inspiration. Nanaimo was (and is) a North American leader for active transportation design standards and it is starting to pay off in a big way! youtu.be/pN5muvQ0-tM?...