Curb plunking is all the rage in Saanich, but what exactly is it?

Saanich has curb-plunk fever.

Around halfway through Monday (March 27) night’s council meeting, the district’s mayor and councillors threw on t-shirts bearing a peculiar message: “Keep calm and curb-plunk on Saanich.”

But what is curb plunking?

It’s a reference to the machine – the “curb plunker” – as well as the sound it makes while laying down pre-cast concrete barriers along roads to buffer (and protect) bike lanes from car traffic, like the ones installed on Shelbourne Street and Tillicum Road near the end of last year.

“Saanich staff described the sound of the machine putting the cement down as curb plunking,” said Coun. Colin Plant, who organized the shirts.

“To me, it’s just a funny-sounding word, but it’s also what’s happening as the machine plunks down the cement.”

While they may sound funny, Plant said the concrete barriers play an important role in not only protecting cyclists, but giving them peace of mind.

Holy moly!!! My bike lane got curb-plunked!!!!! Thanks @Dean_Murdock @TealePB @ColinPlant2022 @zacdevries and others who made our safety a priority!! pic.twitter.com/VCGZEjQzCp

— Ben Cowie (@bromptonymous) March 29, 2023

“To have people walk, be healthy and get out of their car – that’s the goal because we all know that we need to do whatever we can to lower our carbon footprint. And if we can walk or bike instead of driving, then we all win,” said Plant.

ALSO READ: Saanich scraps concept of registry for people lobbying council, staff