Toronto Multi-use Trail Design Guidelines

Of these, the signiicant theme for trail planning and design is number 4, “Improve system planning,” which includesthe following exerpted clauses:10.4 Complete a comprehensive inventory and mapping of parks, trails and assets11.2 Develop policies, standards and measures to support the appropriate use of parks andtrails that guide planning, design, space allocation and permitting, and that addressemerging and exclusive uses11.3 Improve and coordinate trail mapping, classiication, maintenance, way-inding andconnections to other public realm elements12.2 Ensure that parks and trails meet or exceed provincial accessibility requirementsThese guidelines support all of these measures by: providing tools for creating a detailed inventory of existing and planned trails and relatedassets; providing tools to standardize the process for planning and designing trails; providing tools--including a new trail classiication system--that that will allow city staff tobetter coordinate trail mapping, classiication, maintenance, way-inding and connectionsto other public realm elements; and providing a design and planning tool that incorporates best practices for universal designthat meet or exceed provincially-mandated requirements.Shade TreeInterpretation Signage1.0m min.Trail ClearanceFenceArea of SpecialInterest1.0m min.Bench ClearanceFigure 3.08: Lateral clearances for rest stops or other trail amenity areasviiiToronto Multi-Use Trail Design GuidelinesFiguView along the Gatineau Hydro Corridor Trail, near McCowan RoadToronto Multi-Use Trail Design Guidelines

1IntroductionThese guidelines have been developed for TorontoTransportation Services and Toronto Parks, Forestry andRecreation. Many stakeholders have been consulted anda broad literature review conducted to ensure that thisdocument will be a useful and practical resource, withahead-of-the-curve guidance for trail planners, designersand operators in Toronto and elsewhere.1.1. Scope ApplicationWhile these guidelines may be broadly applicable for thedesign of any multi-use trail, it is important to note thatthey have been developed primarily as a resource for thedesign and operation of a speciic network of multi-usetrails in Toronto (see rear overleaf for current networkmap).These are not local park walkways or naturalenvironment trails, and they are also not dedicatedbicycle lanes.Shade Tree1.0m min.Trail ClearanceThese are hard-surfaced, off-road routes that form anetwork of active transportation options across the City,with on-road bikeways, sidewalks and park paths. Theyalso provide a signiicant recreation asset. All facilitiesformingpart ofSignagethis network should be considered to beInterpretationshared among many kinds of users.FenceArea of SpecialInterest1.0m min.Bench ClearanceFigure 3.08: Lateral clearances for rest stops or other trail amenity areasxToronto Multi-UseDesignView along HighlandCreek TrailTrail,nearGuidelinesColonel Danforth Park1.2. Guiding Principles1.3. Sound Design JudgementThe following guiding principles have been developed inorder to evaluate the success of these guidelines and oftrails that may be developed by following them.Designers and decision-makers should exercise everyeffort to comply with these guidelines whenever possible.Situations may arise where a designer’s judgment maybe that the guideline should be exceeded, and in othersituations, a designer’s judgment may determine thatthere are sound reasons that a design may be consideredappropriate despite a certain guideline not being met. Inthese cases, designers should reasonably and carefullylimit the departures from the guideline, documentthe reasons for them, and provide suitable mitigationmeasures.Consistency and ExcellenceMULTI-USE TRAILS should be consistently designed,constructed and maintained, in accordance with clearlydeined guidelines that meet current and evolving bestpractices, as a minimum. Wherever possible, Toronto’sMULTI-USE TRAILS should strive to exceed existing bestpractices and “raise the bar” for excellence.Safety, Security and ComfortThe SAFETY, SECURITY and COMFORT of all trail usersare primary considerations for the design, constructionand maintenance of MULTI-USE TRAILS.AccessibilityAll people are welcome on Toronto’s MULTI-USE TRAILS,regardless of ability. The design, construction andmaintenance of these facilities must strive to adhere tothe principles of Universal Design, and to exceed relevantregulations wherever possible.SustainabilityMULTI-USE TRAILS should be designed, constructedand maintained in the most sustainable ways possible:accommodating existing and anticipated volumes ofusers and making use of sustainable building andmaintenance technologies wherever possible.Environmental ProtectionAs many MULTI-USE TRAILS exist within sensitivenatural environments, it is important that the design,construction, use, and maintenance of these facilitiesminimize impacts and disruptions within and adjacent tothe trail corridor.Pedestrians enjoying the Don Mills TrailToronto Multi-Use Trail Design GuidelinesFigu1

2Trail ClassiicationThe trail classiication system described in this chapter is intended to provide a simple method of categorizing multiuse trails based on their function in Toronto’s networks of active transportation facilities and parks. The classiicationof trails facilitates a family of design options that are presented in the following chapters.Toronto’s trails form a dense network throughout thecity. Taken together with the city’s parks and openspaces, sidewalks and on-road bicycle facilities; thisnetwork forms part of a greater network of activetransportation and recreation choices for Toronto’sresidents and visitors.Within this network, each trail, park, bicycle lane orother component has a particular role to play. As aresult, each trail needs to have certain characteristicsto ensure that it can perform appropriately. Threeclasses of trails are identiied by their role in thenetwork:Secondary trails connect between destinations withina small geographic area, or act as feeder or tributaryroutes for larger trails. They are similar to local orcollector roads in the road classiication system, or toparkettes and neighbourhood parks in the parks network.Shade TreeInterpretation Signage1.0m min.Trail ClearanceFenceArea of SpecialInterest1.0m min.Bench ClearanceExample of a secondary trail in G Ross Lord ParkPrimary trails connect between destinations indifferent parts of the city, and will often connect witheach other, providing perhaps the most signiicant levelof connectivity among the three types. They are similarto arterial roads in the road classiication system, orto community and district parks in the parks network.The majority of multi-use trails in Toronto are in thiscategory.Example of a primary trail: Finch HydroCorridor Trail, near the intersectionof McNicoll Avenue and Middleield RoadFigure 3.08: Lateral clearances for rest stops or other trail amenity areasTorontoMulti-UseDesignTrail,GuidelinesView along theFinchHydroTrailCorridorlooking west from near Sentinel RoadFiguToronto Multi-Use Trail Design Guidelines3

2SECONDARYlocal connectionsfeeder or tributary routesPRIMARYconnects different parts of the citycollects traffic from secondary trailsconnects with other primary trailsExample of a high-capacity trail: Martin Goodman Trail waterfrontpromenade in Marilyn Bell Park (south-west of Exhibition Place)Shade TreeHigh-capacity trails provide a special function in thenetwork. In the simplest sense, they accommodatethe highest number of users, and can be comparedto the expressways in the road network or to large“City Parks” in the park network. High-capacity trailsaddress a broader concept of “capacity” than simplygreater size or volume, however, and they do not imply1.0m min.greater speed.connect to signiicant destinationsTrailTheyClearancewithin the city and can be utilized to accommodatea wider range or unusual distribution of user-types,to perform special functions, or to address particularmin.site conditions. 1.0mNotably,high-capacity trails may beBenchClearancedestinations or attractions themselves.Figure 3.08: Lateral clearances for rest stops or other trail amenity areas4Toronto Multi-Use Trail Design GuidelinesWith any attempt to classify diverse elements, therewill be some level of overlap evident among the actualfacilities, and some examples of non-conformance. Thisshould not pose a signiicant problem, as the variousInterpretationSignage presented later incorporate thedesignconigurationspossibility of overlap, and are capable of bridging mostFencegaps.NewAreatrailswill be designed to it within theseof SpecialInterestclassiications. Identiication of the classes of existingtrails has already taken place, but may need to beapplied to new trails, or reined as the city evolves overtime. The map provided in the overleaf at the end ofthese guidelines provides a snapshot of the trail systemin autumn, 2014.HIGH-CAPACITYmay perform any or all of the functionsof primary and/or secondary trailscollects traffic from primary andsecondary trailstrail may be a destination or attractionitselfcatchment area:user volumes:mix of user-types:site features:special uses:seasonal atchment area:user volumes:mix of user-types:largemedium to highaveragesite features:minor features or amenitiesmay be presentspecial uses:special uses may occur ifno closure is requiredseasonal variation:typicalcatchment area:user volumes:mix of user-types:site features:largesthighestvariessignificant attractions,features, and/or amenitiesmay be presentspecial uses:various special uses maybe accommodated includingthose that may requiretemporary closures orspecial permitsseasonal variation:atypical patterns of usedepending upon sitefeatures presentFigure 2.01.multi-use trailclassiication chartFiguToronto Multi-Use Trail Design Guidelines5

23General Design ConsiderationsThe comfort and safety of trail users will be served by facilities that anticipate how different types of users behave ona trail, how many users may be present at a time of peak use, and whether they are all travelling by the same modeor using the trail for the same purpose.3.1. Trail UsersToronto’s multi-use trails are utilized by residents andvisitors throughout the year in many ways. A discussionof trail users must take in not only the growing numberof trail users, but their growing variety as well. Whilethe prevalent uses of trails may not be experiencing asigniicant shift, the subtle changes are useful to observe,especially where potential conlicts or incompatibilitiesmay arise between different uses.Interpretation SignageFenceArea of SpecialInterest1.0m min.Bench ClearanceFigure 3.08: Lateral clearances for rest stops or other trail amenity areasTorontoMulti-UseTrail DesignGuidelines Area, near Milne HollowEast Don Trailin CharlesSauriolConservationAge of trail users, and skill and comfort level are oftenconsidered together. Providing trails that are inviting andsafe for users of all ages, skills and comfort levels, shouldbe a priority for designers.Modes of travel are becoming more diverse, with inline skating, scooters, pedal-bikes, recumbent bicycles,skateboards, longboards and many other non-motorizedways of moving around appearing on trails. These areprobably not going to compete with pedestrians andcyclists for sheer numbers, but their increasing presenceis worth consideration, and supports designing trails thatare capable of accommodating different users.Shade Tree1.0m min.Trail ClearanceIn Toronto, all multi-use trails are intended to be used forall purposes. These trails are not considered to be onlyrecreational or only commuter trails.Purposes or trip purposes have most often been viewedfrom a cyclist lens, with commuter, recreational andtouring being the usual categories. This remains auseful simpliication, however a broader view can take insigniicant users who may appear in smaller numbers buthave a signiicant impact. These include hikers, joggers,dog-walkers, cycle-couriers (with or without cargo bikesand trailers) child-care workers and their carriages,school groups and others.In-line skater on the Lower Don TrailToronto Multi-Use Trail Design GuidelinesFigu7

33.2. Design UsersGeometric design of trails typically follows froman assessment of the anticipated users and theircharacteristics as they move along a trail. For differentaspects of trail design, it is common practice to identifya design user whose characteristics place the greatestdemand on any particular aspect of trail geometry.These guidelines take an inclusive approach to designusers with the intended result that trails are comfortable,enjoyable, and usable for the widest range of users. Slowermoving trail users such as pedestrians and inexperiencedcyclists are to be comfortably accommodated alongsidefaster, more experienced cyclists.Providing a high level of accessibility is importantfor the success of Toronto’s trails.Compliancewith legislated requirements and best practices foraccessibility are critical for determining trail designs.Therefore, where accessibility requirements exceedthe characteristics of other design users, they willdetermine basic geometric requirements. This includesrestricting cross-slopes to 2%, keeping running slopesunder 5% and ramps under 6.67%, wherever possible.Ontario Regulation 191/11 - IntegratedAccessibility Standards,1 was established underthe Accessibility for Ontarians with DisabilitiesAct, 2005.The standards that apply to trails are includedin the Integrated Accessibility StandardsRegulation Guidelines, April 2014.2Interpretation SignageTandem bicyclists on the Martin Goodman Trail, near1FenceArea of SpecialAshbridgesInterestBay1.0m elaws regs 110191 e.htmBench Clearance2 Figure 3.08: Lateral clearancesfor rest stops or other trail amenity areasApril%202014%20EN-s.pdf8Toronto Multi-Use Trail Design GuidelinesMost of the trails covered by these guidelines mustaccommodate emergency vehicles, maintenancevehicles and/or waste removal trucks to some extent.This will control minimum trail widths and will also helpto determine trail construction requirements. In somecases this may determine loading required on bridgesor other structures, and the cover required over culvertsand drains.Trails are typically not designed for heavy-duty vehiclessuch as ire trucks or full-sized garbage trucks.Cyclists are restricted by by-law to a speed limit of 20kilometres per hour1, which will be the design speed usedto determine minimum turning radii. As cyclists oftenmove more quickly with experience or with a downwardslope in their favour, the minimum facilities determinedby this speed should be provided with additional featuresto mitigate any possible hazards. Designing trails with amore conservative, 30 kilometres per hour design speedis preferred where site conditions will allow.Shade Tree1.0m min.Trail ClearanceIn some circumstances, such as access ramps, operatingspace and other physical characteristics required by thelegislation will be a primary determinant for functionaldesign. In other cases, such as with regard to lateralclearances, the requirements of other design users willexceed the accessibility requirements, and provide ahigher level of accessibility as a result.3.3. Volume of UsersTrails are expected to exhibit typical patterns of useduring the day that generally adhere to certain patterns.These patterns generally relate to the traditional workday and work-week, the school calendar, and theseasons. Factors unique to every trail will result inslight variations, even on different parts of the sametrail.1Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 608, Parks 184 608.pdfAny point on any trail of a given class should exhibitsimilar user volume characteristics as other trails of thesame class. Characteristics that might be consideredinclude total user volumes and peak user volumes, aswell as the direction and purpose of each user.Total user volume refers to the overall number of usersof all types, during a 24-hour period. Peak user volumerefers to the highest hourly user volume observed ona given trail, and may or may not correspond to typicalmorning or afternoon rush hour periods.It is not always possible to make accurate predictions ofuser volumes for planned trails. However a generalizedcomparison with other, similar trails is possible. Somefactors to consider are: Size of catchment area: the greater the ratio ofcatchment area to length of trail, the higher theanticipated use. Population density of catchment area: an increasein this factor also increases, and possibly multipliesthe effect of the catchment area. Number of entry points: as this increases, barriersrestricting use are removed, and a facility is morelikely to collect more users from its catchment area. Variety of destinations: for example a trail thatconnects a series of residential areas will probablysee less use than a trail that connects betweenresidential, mixed-use and employment areas. Alternative trail options: a greater number of trailswithin a given area will result in fewer users for eachtrail, if other factors are equalized.FiguToronto Multi-Use Trail Design Guidelines9

33.4. Mix of UsersThe different types of uses anticipated for a trail willhelp determine the appropriate design coniguration. Ahigher level of trail development is indicated by a varietyof uses, and more overlapping of these uses during theday. Does the proposed trail provide a connectionbetween residential, mixed-use and employmentareas? If the answer is yes, heavier commutingcyclist volumes can be anticipated, spread across theday with peak times in the morning and afternoonrush-hours. Are there alternative trail or transportationoptions that

2 Toronto Multi-Use Trail Design Guidelines Figure 3.08: Lateral clearances for rest stops or other trail amenity areas 1.0m min. Bench Clearance 1.0m min. Trail Clearance Interpretation Signage Area of Special Interest Fence Shade Tree Toronto Multi-Use Trail Design Guidelines i Figure 3.08: Lateral clearances for rest stops or other trail .