Salmon Arm cyclists will soon see their riding options expanded.
The recently repaved section of 30th Street SE, between Okanagan Avenue and the Trans-Canada, is soon to be repainted.
City engineering and public works director Dale McTaggart told council the road is to be reconfigured with a two-way, left-turn lane down the centre and metre-wide bicycle lanes on either side.
Regarding the turning lane, McTaggart said this would make left turns easier and help drivers merge when turning onto 30th.
Council did express some concern regarding the reconfiguration in relation to traffic around South Broadview Elementary. Coun. Alan Harrison suggested city staff be present when school starts to make sure the change works safely for student and vehicle traffic.
Coun. Kevin Flynn commended staff for the planned change.
“We won’t know until it’s tried, but I understand this has been done in a number of communities in the U.S. and Canada, this multi-use option with the middle turn lane, and it’s been very successful,” said Flynn.
As for the bicycle lanes, McTaggart indicated they would be part of a growing network of corridors in the city designated for cyclists.
“We currently have the bicycle lanes on Auto Road, which starts at 10th Avenue all the way out to the industrial park,” said McTaggart. “We’re also looking at painting a bicycle lane between 10th Avenue SE and Okanagan, so that will give bicycle lanes, basically on both sides of 30th and Auto Road, right from Highway 97 B all the way to 60th Avenue NE.”
McTaggart said he’d also like to continue the bike lane from 30th down Okanagan to the municipal hall.
“It looks like it’s going to be easier for your worship to ride his bike to work from now on,” Coun. Chad Eliason commented to Mayor Marty Bootsma.
“Start calling me Gregor,” replied Bootsma.
McTaggart noted that while the one metre width may be limited, it’s still of benefit to cyclists.
“It feels safer when you’re cycling because you have your own corridor and motor vehicles see that corridor and they will move over when they approach a bicycle,” said McTaggart.