In 2021, the Ontario Traffic Council (OTC) and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) released their much-anticipated update to Ontario Traffic Manual Book 18: Cycling Facilities (commonly known as “Book 18”). While the first version of this guide, published in 2013, played a key role in shaping the growth of cycling infrastructure across Ontario, it was quickly overtaken by the rapid pace of change in how cycling facilities are designed and who they are designed for. The second version of “Book 18”, the cycling design manual for the province of Ontario, features a major overhaul from the original version with a focus on physically separated infrastructure and advanced safety measures at intersections. This presentation will give a sneak peak into what’s new with OTM Book 18, including some hot topics and emerging design solutions.

Bio:

Shawn Smith is a Senior Project Manager and engineer with WSP Canada Inc with 20 years of experience leading sustainable mobility projects. Shawn is a design lead in WSP’s Active Transportation, Trails and Complete Streets Centre of Excellence. Shawn was co-author for the update to OTM Book 18 and continues to serve as a lead trainer for the guide, delivering full- and half-day training workshops to municipal and consulting staff to build knowledge about the new guide. Shawn has helped train over 500 professionals across Ontario to-date. Shawn currently serves as Vice President of the CITE National Capital Section.