Glenn Ogilvie file picture
Cathy Dobson
Sarnia must create two east-west commuter routes for cyclists on Wellington and London roads, an avid bike owner says.
The present plan to make use of Maria Street is a good choice for leisure cyclists, however not for folks needing to get to work, Robert Dickieson instructed metropolis council final week.
“We want to attach your house together with your office and make biking doable,” he stated.
Dickieson stated higher and interconnected bike routes entice each youthful residents and vacationers. Reducing 4 visitors lanes to a few to permit for protected biking, which could possibly be completed on London Road, a apply generally known as “street weight-reduction plan,” is frequent in Europe, he stated.
Dickieson feedback come as an nameless donor helps Sarnia create an east-west transportation path to hyperlink the Howard Watson Nature Trail with the downtown and waterfront.
“His ardour is about high-quality, separate pathways off the street,” metropolis engineer David Jackson stated of the donor. “He feels that if we now have no biking subsequent to visitors, that may be supreme.”
The undertaking would create new multi-use pathways and hyperlink them to bike-friendly streets and an present path working the size of Germain Park.
Discussions are underway with the donor to purchase easements from the general public college board and Bluewater Health for a brand new path between East and Russell streets, which might then comply with Maria Street to the waterfront.
Jackson stated he respects Dickieson’s opinion however that there are “completely different teams of cyclists with completely different concepts.”
“Most folks can be far more snug biking on Maria than London Road,” Jackson stated.
“But we don’t disagree with the presentation. Maybe it’s time to overview what else we are able to do and perhaps do each in the end.”
City councillors Terry Burrell and Dave Boushy questioned the necessity for extra biking infrastructure, including the north-south route opened just a few years in the past on Colborne Road is underutilized.
“It’s good to have…however the use is so small…I journey on Colborne Road nearly on daily basis and it’s nearly not used,” Burrell stated. “…are we favouring a only a few on the expense of most?”
Jackson disagreed; saying bike lanes are effectively used.
“Colborne Road has been very profitable. We’ve had nothing however constructive suggestions,” he stated. “Without a whole community all through town, it’ll take time to construct the quantity up.”
A workers report stated public enter on the proposed east-west route was overwhelmingly supportive. Of 91 respondents, 94% stated they’re in favour.
Jackson stated the nameless donor hasn’t specified how a lot cash he’s keen to speculate however is “fairly beneficiant” and wanting to assist extra biking routes.
“It’s nice information, and really thrilling for town,” he stated.
The first part of the east-west pathway, on the north aspect of Afton Drive, would possible be created subsequent 12 months.
The metropolis has additionally obtained two $1-million grants to construct separate multi-use paths beside Confederation Street, from Murphy Road to Upper Canada Drive, and alongside London Line, from Lambton Mall to Blackwell Side Road.
