Duane Hicks
The first step has been taken towards implementing bike lanes along Colonization Road West to make it safer for cyclists as well as promote physical fitness.
At its meeting Monday night, town council referred a request from the Northwestern Health Unit for the bike lanes to the Planning and Development Advisory Committee for its recommendation, with input from the Operations and Facilities executive committee and Traffic Safety Committee.
As previously reported, the health unit, concerned parents, and other stakeholders want to work with the town to improve safety and active transportation for all users along this well-travelled roadway.
This would be at little or no cost to the town.
In a letter council received from NHU health promoter Elaine Fischer, she noted the proponents would like to see a bike lane running along both sides of Colonization Road West between Oakwood Road and Biddeson Avenue.
The health unit will secure funds for the paint, signage, markings, and whatever other municipal/provincial requirements are needed.
In return, the group would like the town to offer in-kind support in the form of labour for marking and painting, and use of town equipment.
The group also would like council to amend the parking bylaw to have no on-street parking between 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Parking on this road has been monitored and it is not anticipated the amended bylaw will negatively impact residents, noted Fischer.
Council also received a hand-written letter from J.W. Walker student Kade Oster, who lives in the neighbourhood.
“The reason why we need a bike lane is because of our safety,” Oster wrote.
“Cars go really fast on the road and we want to stays as far away from the cars as we can.
“Another reason for the lane is our health,” he added.
“If you are not healthy, you will spend a lot of your time inside and at the doctor’s office.
“The last reason is so that we can bike to school,” Oster said.
“When you bike to school, you stay healthy and you can talk and hang with your friends while staying safe,” he reasoned.
Fischer noted other initiatives associated with this project are underway, such as getting the OPP to install its speed sign on Colonization Road West to increase awareness of speed and safety along this corridor.
It’s hoped all of this can be in place prior to the new school year starting in September.
