A report from the Township of Esquimalt shows residents are in favour of bike lanes on Esquimalt Road as the township moves forward with their two-phase plan to build protected bike lanes along the corridor.
The township has been working on the first phase of the project, which includes protected bike lanes on Esquimalt Road between Dominion Road to Joffre Street, along with sewer and drain repairs. The road is considered to be the main passageway through the township.
According to the report by ISL Engineering, which heard from 395 participants, 55 per cent of respondents said they travel by bike or other rolling devices, and 58 per cent said the most important design features in making Esquimalt Road safer would be connectivity to active transportation corridors.
Some respondents, about 25 per cent, expressed concerns about the project, saying reducing car lane widths could make it difficult for emergency services to operate, and reduced parking could have an impact on local businesses.
At a council meeting on Oct. 28, council members received the report and commented on the respondents' opinions on the project.
"This really is something that's been talked about since 2021, [when] part of the previous council adopted the active transportation plan which identified this stretch [of the road] so I think this has definitely been something that's been coming for a long time," said Coun. Duncan Cavens. "It would go a long way with improving our climate performance, our active transportation, and just create more options for people to get around."
Council members noted that they have consulted with emergency services, including the fire department, who found no issue with the idea of protected bike lines along the roads. And, on that stretch of the road, there are already alternative parking options off the street.
"Because it is also very busy, it's also where the most risk exists in terms of safety and I think this project will actually result in the prevention of deaths or serious accidents. That's really what active transportation is all about," said Coun. Tim Morrison.
Council unanimously moved to submit a grant application for a B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure grant for up to $500,000 for the project. Community engagement options and an open house for the second phase will be made available to the public in the coming weeks.
