Future for cycling infrastructure in discussion

By Kristian Beaudoin

 

The Ontario Government is giving $1.7 million to Windsor for cycling infrastructure, but Windsorites have yet to see what changes will be made.

This money is for the purpose of developing easier access for bicycle transportation. The plans of development are still in discussion, but it is expected to make a positive impact on how people get around and local tourism.

Lori Newton, executive director of Bike Windsor Essex, is an activist for cycling transportation. Hearing the decision to make efforts in enhancing bicycle travel has been great news for her and her organization.

“It was a really exciting moment.” said Newton.

According to Newton, there has also been positive feedback from cyclists and non-cyclists. However, what will be done with the money remains undecided.

Bike Windsor Essex has an idea on how to improve Windsor with the money in a small step towards a more efficient future.

“Our highest priority project is McDougall Avenue. From Giles Boulevard down to University Avenue and the reason why we’re prioritizing that is two things. One, It’s a highly used route for people into the downtown area and two, it would be the first piece of cycling infrastructure for our downtown core,” said Newton.

She said McDougall is important for cycling infrastructure as it will give access to people in and out of downtown, but it also shows there is interest for Windsor’s core.

Newton believes Windsor should have a few bike lanes placed along unconnected streets in the city. In order to create effective cycling transportation for Windsorites, she said Windsor requires a connected cycling network from the core to the perimeter.

According to statistics from Bike Windsor Essex, more than 1000 cyclists and non-cyclists agree that Windsor needs bike lanes that are connected to each other throughout the city. Newton said this would mean proper bike lanes need to be constructed and ensure the safety of cyclists, roads need marked bike lanes instead of signs warning drivers of cyclists.

“We are still planning our streets for cars when we should be planning our streets for people,” said Newton. “We all deserve safe passage to where we want to go.”

Another question about the future of Windsor’s cycling infrastructure comes from opinions outside Windsor. The development of new bike lanes in town and the interest in tourism are factors for the money’s use. Bike lanes are already in development for Windsor and trail maps for tourists have been made by Tourism Windsor Essex.

Deborah Laselva, a travel and tourism professor for St. Clair College said with money put into more bike lanes, these trails can grow. She said this will show off Windsor to tourists and also show how accessible the city can be on a bike.

As discussion continues about what the 1.7 million will be used for, Laselva said that with more bicycle routes being made, accessibility can enhance tours of Windsor and travel by bicycle to events.

“I think money spent on bicycle infrastructure would be a huge boost in tourism for the county, especially in the summer time.” said Laselva.