Multi-Modal Strategy

Knox Mountain Drive is enjoyed by many different user groups with many different preferences; therefore, the goal has been to accommodate as many of those preferences as possible, while ensuring everyone’s safety.

In November 2021, Council endorsed a ‘Share the Road’ approach.

The two-year trial will allow public vehicles access to the First Lookout, daily from noon to 8pm. The road will continue to be closed fully to vehicles during the winter months and periods of extreme fire danger. Staff will monitor vehicle counts, as well as pedestrian/cyclist counts at select locations in the park.

Knox Mountain Drive road surface is less than 5.5m wide though much of its length and grading can reach over 20 per cent rendering it a challenging climb to some. The road is used by many users including vehicles, mountain and road cyclists, pedestrians, and long boarders. User counts are ~60% increased use at the Apex Trail from 2020 to 2021.

Table 1 – Pedestrian Counts – Apex Trail 2020 to 2021

Survey Results

An online survey to better understand how people use and access the park was conducted in the spring of 2021. The survey response was significant, with over 8,100 responses and over 4,000 comments. The overall highest rated option was to keep vehicular access open to the First Lookout. Review the engagement summary to see the results and key themes.

Implementation – Two-year Trial

It is physically, economically, and ecologically unfeasible to create a standard multi-modal roadway; therefore, the objectives for the Knox Mountain Drive Strategy are safety, accessibility, and operational considerations. It is a park drive and requires management and use restrictions to reflect its context and constraints.

The strategy takes into consideration the survey results as well as operational considerations, current use data, technical road standards and transportation safety principles. Events will be allowed with a permit and a pilot car.

First Lookout

Vehicle access to the First Lookout was chosen for a number of reasons:

• Views over the City are immediately available from the First Lookout parking lot
• Existing parking at the First Lookout.
• Multiple options for alternate hiking and cycling routes to the First Lookout
• Option was most favoured in the public engagement survey

Monitoring Results

Staff will monitor results of the Two-Year Strategy, including:

• Vehicle counts
• Pedestrian counts at select locations
• Special event permits
• Public and operational feedback