This could make for a pretty sweet — and safe — ride for London cyclists.

Core-area bike routes buffered from vehicle traffic with concrete curbs and flexible poles are up for endorsement from city politicians when their holiday slowdown ends next week.

In a report from staff, the so-called “cycletracks” plan is proposed for two stretches near downtown, and a third is recommended to be added.

They are:

Queens Avenue from Ridout Street to Colborne Street

Colborne Street from Dufferin Avenue to Horton Street

Up for future consideration is Queens Avenue, east of Colborne Street to Quebec Street.

Safety concerns can keep people from riding their bikes, particularly if they have to ride in mixed traffic. The Cycletracks plan — essentially protected bike paths along two busy roadways — can eliminate those concerns.

A lifelong cyclist, Henk Ketelaars is vice-chair of city hall’s cycling advisory committee that offers non-binding advice to city council. He agrees bicycle riders often feel intimidated, even though they’re usually safe.

“I agree cyclists feel very, very vulnerable. But statistically it’s still a very, very safe way to travel,” Ketelaars said. “We feel vulnerable even though we’re not.”

The dedicated bike lanes, he adds, are a necessary step to get more people riding.

“It’s very much necessary,” he said. “Not just for transportation but for the environment. Not just for getting to places but for getting exercise.

“We’re such a car-driven society, but inside (large cities) they’re building that infrastructure to give people the wings of freedom to ride, to exercise, to be part of nature.”

In a new staff report headed to council’s civic works committee next week, staff offer recommendations they say support objectives in council’s strategic plan and the city’s cycling master plan.

City officials have been working to revamp cycling facilities and did numerous consultations with cyclists during the last two years.

“Many Londoners expressed a desire for on-road cycling facilities that provide more protection from motor vehicles on high-traffic volume routes,” states the report, going to politicians Jan. 10.

The plan is to install a two-way cycle track on the north side of Queens Avenue, between Ridout and Colborne streets, and a one-way lane on each side of Colborne, between Dufferin and Horton.

Staff also wants politicians to consider the second phase of the Queens Avenue cycletrack that would take it to Quebec Street to provide “good connectivity to Old East Village.”

The work will cost about $466,000, according to the report that also recommends MMM Group be hired as consulting engineers.

pmaloney@postmedia.com

jlobrien@postmedia.com