Good news for cyclists in Oak Bay and Esquimalt–some more cycling infrastructure is on its way.
In Oak Bay, construction has begun on two neighbourhood bikeways. They are designed to improve riding through residential streets while slowing vehicle traffic.
The projects start this week and are expected to wrap up by summer. They will add around five km of cycling routes to the area.
According to the Times Colonist, the bikeways will operate with a 30 km/h speed limit They will also include traffic-calming features such as speed humps and crossing controls and new signage
“They’re cycling infrastructure along quieter streets,” Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch said. (It should be noted they aren’t fully separated bike lanes.)
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The north–south Henderson Bikeway will begin at Elgin Road near Oak Bay Avenue and run along Bee and Florence streets. It then connects to existing bike lanes at Henderson Road and Foul Bay Road. The route is expected to improve access to several destinations. Some of those include Oak Bay High School, the Oak Bay Recreation Centre and the Uvic.
The east–west Haultain–Estevan Bikeway will start with a rider-activated crossing at Foul Bay Road and Haultain Street. The route will continue along Haultain Street to Eastdowne Road and then along Estevan Avenue, ending near Willows Beach.
The new bikeways will link Willows Beach, Estevan Village and businesses along Cadboro Bay Road. It will also connect to existing cycling routes in Saanich.
Esquimalt moves to Phase 2 of protected bike lanes
In nearby Esquimalt, the township is getting set for the second phase of a project on Esquimalt Road. It combines protected bike lanes with underground utility upgrades.
The next phase, expected to start this summer, will extend improvements further along the corridor. It will also add safer crossings, lighting and traffic signals.