Jan. 30, 2010

Cycling advocates and aficionados in Lethbridge may look back on 2010 as a turning point for their passion.

Even those who simply use their bikes to get around – some enduring snow and sub-zero temperatures – may start to notice improvements, starting with construction of two pathways on Scenic Drive from 4^th Street S. to 1^st Avenue along the coulees and Mayor Magrath Drive S. between 10^th and 12^th avenues.

Both routes were identified in a 2007 Bikeways and Pathways Master Plan as missing links in the citywide system. The projects are the first in a scheduled annual $500,000 expenditure on the system.

The process began in 2006 with the identification of several main needs, including increased connectivity across major roadways such as Highway 3, better connections between the east and west sides of the city and improved on-road routes.

Darwin Juell, the city’s Transportation Manager, says over the next several years, all three needs and more will be met. City council has approved spending the money but projects eligible for provincial grants above that still need approval from Edmonton.

Also under way this year is a review of standards that will ultimately lead to bike lanes on roads.

As well, Parks Planning Manager Ryan Carriere is involved in a study of the whole pathway systems, partly to determine how best to connect the city’s south and north sides and create a continuous loop for cyclists and pedestrians. Work will start this year on new pathways, but details on where have yet to be decided.

And, Ahmed Ali, transportation planning manager, is shooting for an open house in February to get public input on a proposed new bicycle bylaw.

Updating the city’s 1986 Bicycle Bylaw involved a review of similar bylaws from 21 other jurisdictions across Canada as well as a number from the U.S. and European countries.

Bylaws include rules dealing with bicycle equipment such bells, horns and lights, to use of sidewalks and helmets.

“But, most have done away with the need to register or license bikes,” says Ali. “The feeling is licensing would curtail cycling instead of promoting it.”

A group which started during the Plan Your City circle process last year will no doubt have an interest in the city’s efforts to improve infrastructure and regulation. The Bikebridge Cycling Association expects to become incorporated as a society soon to “inspire, facilitate and celebrate cycling as a means of transportation in Lethbridge.”

The association plans to advocate for infrastructure, facility and policies that support cycling as a transportation option. As well, it sees the need “to promote the effective and safe use of bicycles through the education of cyclists, pedestrians and motorists” in sharing roadways.

The group hopes to submit an application to the province before spring and have its first general meeting before the end of April.