Cannon Street Cycle Track

The cycle track acts as a buffer between auto traffic and pedestrians using the sidewalk on the south side of Cannon Street. When crossing the street, pedestrians are reminded to be aware of cyclists riding in both directions.

Motorists should always stop behind the stop bar on a red signal, as required by law. If turns are permitted on red at the intersection, cars may advance into the bike box to make a turn if it is not occupied by a cyclist. Please watch for cyclists travelling in the opposite direction when turning or accessing driveways. Remember:

• Cannon Street is no longer a one-way street so “left turns on red” are not permitted from Cannon Street, nor onto Cannon Street.
• At bike boxes, remember to stop at the stop bar behind the bike box when the signal is red. 
• When crossing the cycle track remember that there is two-way bicycle traffic. Left-turning auto traffic must yield to this bicycle traffic (look over your left shoulder).

Access to residential driveways and businesses will be maintained. Please be aware of cyclists when turning into driveways as the bicycle lanes are two-way.

The two-way cycle track creates a safer route for cycling across downtown Hamilton. There are two types of bike boxes along the cycle track to make it easier to navigate through intersections.

What is a Bike Box?

A bike box is used at intersections to designate a space in front of cars for turning cyclists to queue at a red traffic signal. There are two types of bike boxes on the Cannon Cycle Track:

One-stage bike box:
Cyclists use the bike box to move across multiple traffic lanes to get to the other side of the street to make their right turn from the lane closest to the curb (see image above).

Two-stage bike box:
Cyclists use a smaller bike box as an interim location to wait before making a turn at an intersection. The bike box positions cyclists to wait for a green signal on the cross street before crossing Cannon Street.

Counters are installed to track usage of the bike lanes.

There may be times when City crews or utilities (cable, telephone, gas) need to temporarily access or close portions of the cycle track to complete repairs or maintenance activities. Every effort will be made to minimize the inconvenience to cyclists.

Snow Clearing and Street Sweeping

The City will continue to clean the street and salt and plow the road in the winter as usual. In the winter, the road and bicycle lanes will be plowed so they are clear and safe for travel. Crews will then use a blower, as required, to remove the accumulated snow from the bicycle lanes. This removal is expected to take place during overnight hours.