ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION

I am a confessed proponent of active transportation. My walking and cycling mileage is close to what I drive in a year. I have been advocating for cycling lanes for years. Sarnia has finally started to develop a proper network of bike lanes.

Twenty-five or thirty years ago, when I started advocating for bike lanes, I was told there were no cyclists in Sarnia. That is not true today.

Bluewater Cycling Organization, through the Grand Fondo, Youth Spokes, Cycling Without Age, and other programs, has sparked a groundswell of cyclists in Sarnia.

NuSarnia has also increased the number of people using active transportation in Sarnia. They deserve to have a safe way to cycle and walk in our City.

The other thing that has increased cycling activity is our present economic situation. (Not everyone can afford a car) Some of this, admittedly, is with ebikes; however, even these riders need a safe way to get around.

Sarnia has added several bike lanes and has begun designing intersections and roads to accommodate all road users.

Adding this infrastructure is a good direction.

There is also work to do with the cyclists to get them to use the resources properly, not on the sidewalks, and to obey the traffic laws, just like a car driver.

My input, "IF" elected as a councilor, would be to support the ongoing expansion of active transportation facilities.

 ALL ROAD USERS NEED TO BE AND FEEL SAFE.

Some people running for public office in Sarnia advocated for removing the bike lanes and the protected intersections. How does that make sense? Spending money to rip out infrastructure seems like a bad decision to me.

I have also heard people saying that the new intersections are not good. (Colborne & Michigan) Please note that the Sarnia Engineering Department designs intersections in accordance with the Ontario Traffic Council Protected Intersection Guide. Yes, you have to be extra careful and slow down through these new intersections, but please realize that is exactly the point: slow cars down, reduce accidents, and save lives. I fully support the changes being made.

Fun Fact - did you know that bike lanes actually decrease road maintenance by keeping the 5000#+ cars away from the cement curb/asphalt connection, reducing the possibility of potholes in this area.

People, we are all going the same direction and eventually will end up in the same place - why are you in a hurry? Be active, get healthy, enjoy the journey and be happy.