The District of Oak Bay is ready to kick start the next phase in the design and construction of the Henderson Road and Haultain-Estevan cycling facilities.
But first, they need the community's feedback on their proposed draft designs.
The designs for both cycling facilities, which are halfway done, aim to improve safety and increase connectivity within Oak Bay, Saanich and the City of Victoria.
A survey link is up where the public can share their thoughts on the two projects until Sep. 12.
Continuation of the nine priority active transportation projects
In late March, Oak Bay Council approved a five-year implementation strategy for the nine cycling facilities identified as priorities in the 2023 Oak Bay ATS Review.
They include a multi-use trail for Cedar Hill Cross Road, commuter routes for Cadboro Bay Road, Henderson/Foul Bay Oak Bay Avenue, Lansdowne Road and Bowker Avenue, neighbourhood bikeway in central Oak Bay and connections for McNeill Avenue to Beach Drive and Oak Bay to Beach.
The Henderson Road and Haultain-Estevan projects are part of these priorities.
Safety and connectivity for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists
The Henderson Road project will provide a cycling route connecting Oak Bay Avenue, Oak Bay High School, local churches, Oak Bay Recreation Center and Carnarvon Park.
Additionally, access to the University of Victoria through connection to Henderson Road’s existing cycling infrastructure will also be improved.
The draft design for the Haultain-Estevan Avenue bikeway shows a route that will connect Willows Beach, Estevan Village and Cadboro Bay Road’s commercial district providing cyclists access to Haultain Street’s existing infrastructure within the district of Saanich.
On the survey site, the district identified their priority goals for the two projects that include formalizing a North/South and West/East cycling route, improving intersection safety for all users as well as connectivity to regional bikeways and addressing safe crossings and vehicle speeds.
"The Henderson design would really be an improvement," said Jane Van Hoorn, long time cyclist and member of Critical Mass Oak Bay, a group of riders advocating for safer cycling infrastructure.
"Correcting the disconnect from the Haultain bikeway across Foul Bay, one of a number of disconnects from Victoria, Saanich to Oak Bay, is the most critical as I believe it’s well used by cyclists," Van Hoorn said.
She also expressed concerns about the narrow bikeway along Estevan to Beach Drive as well as residents' objection to the loss of parking when the two projects get underway.
In an email to Black Press Media, the district said they are encouraging all community members to provide their feedback through the survey on the various elements of the projects, including parking.
After the survey closes on Sept. 12, an engagement report will be brought to council for approval at a meeting to be confirmed at a later date.
