Based on WATS lobbying for covered and secure bike parking, the University opened the first protected parking structure near Alumni circle in 2020 (see photo). That's great news! However, the shelter is currently fully sold out. Also, elsewhere on campus, the normal bike racks leave the bikes exposed to theft, rain and snow. People either store their bikes within university buildings (against regulations), have their bike stolen, or do not to bike at all. Let us and the university know if you would like to see more bike parking by filling out our survery!

Western's 2017 open space plan envisions a car-free campus. The closure of the University Bridge 2018/2019 encouraged many people to walk or cycle to campus, made commuting safer and more pleasant, and for the duration of the closure, changed the whole experience of entering campus from the east. Many people realized what a car-free campus could look like! Now the University needs to come up with a plan to replace the Bridge. We believe that it makes sense both from an economic and transportation planning standpoint to keep the bridge permanently closed to cars - provided the closure is embedded in a larger plan that prevents negative impact on bus traffic and congestions in other areas. See our input to the first public consultation.

Current parking permits are designed for people who drive to campus every day - the discount of a parking permit over daily rates exceeds 80%. Thus, an individual, who for practical reasons has to drive one day a week, but chooses other forms of transportation for the other four, currently pays as much as somebody who commutes by car every day. This is an active disincentive for those wanting to explore alternative forms of transportation. We therefore advocate the introduction of a pay-per-use permit, which should be the cheaper option when parking fewer than half the working days on campus. Introducing a pay-per-use system will encourage people to choose alternative transportation options more often, and will ultimately free up precious campus area.

Infrastructure that serves buses, pedestrians, cyclist, and cars alike is difficult to achieve. Therefore, we would like to serve as a consulting partner for Facilities Management to help get things right, and to advocate for clear standards and guidelines for access throughout the year. If you have concerns regarding Pedestrian or Bicycle infrastructure, or experience lack of winter maintenance for active transportation (see photo!), please cc us on your email to Facilities Management, so we can help address shortcomings.

We are working with other cycling and pedestrian advocacy groups in London (i.e., the London Cycle Link) to improve infrastructure throughout the city and to make commuting to campus more safe and pleasant. A number of WATS members are represented on London's Cycling Advisory Committee. One focal point of attention is the Western and Sarnia intersection, which is in desperate need of improvement. More broadly, we believe Western University should be a catalyst helping to make LondON a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly city.