A group from Phoenix Middle School has made a number of recommendations on improving active transportation in Campbell River.
Project co-lead and parent Sarah Wright presented their findings to city council this week, showing one-fifth of students are travelling in an active way – biking, walking or rolling. The study was part of a $10,000 provincial grant that was supported by a number of stakeholders.
Wright and a group of students laid out recommendations for the city, including more secure bike storage and a bike path on the Dogwood multi-use pathway.
“We don’t want to bubble wrap our kids but we do need a little bit more help getting them to and from school safely. They learn independence, confidence and autonomy when we let them navigate there on their own. If they ever plan to leave Campbell River, we need to set them up for success,” Wright said.
The report makes at least 16 requests of council, including applying for more grants, lowering speed limits on Old Island Highway, more secure bike storage and planning for sidewalks and separated bike lanes on Evergreen, Petersen and McPhederan Roads.
Following Wright’s presentation, Mayor Andy Adams noted the city is already planning for bike lanes on Hilchey Road and that design work needs to happen first in order to qualify for more grants.
As for more secure bike storage, councillor Sean Smyth agreed.
“Bike security is a big problem in town and I don’t think I need to tell the rest of council about this. It’s a big issue. So more lockup facilities around town is an easy thing. Same with the website, it’s an easy thing for staff to help out and do more work on.”
Smyth was referring to a website showing safe bike routes in the city.
The recommendations will be considered when the city updates its Master Transportation Plan next year. They will also go to School District 72 and city committee meetings for consideration.
