The District of Saanich has announced they will install protected cycling lanes on Tillicum Road starting in early August, offering physical separation from motor vehicle traffic, creating safety for all road users and more.
In March, Saanich council approved eight quick-build projects recommended by the Active Transportation Advisory Committee.
“I’m thrilled to see this safety improvement move forward this summer,” said Councillor and Chair of the Active Transportation Committee Rebecca Mersereau.
“Council is committed to road safety. We know improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists on Tillicum will address an important gap in safe infrastructure and help enable residents to have multiple transportation options.”
In order to improve the corridor and improve safety for cyclists and cars, Saanich will remove two general purpose vehicle lanes to create the protected cycling lanes.
Two general purpose and one left-turning lane will remain along Tillicum Road from Arena Road near Tillicum Centre to Saanich’s boundary with the Township of Esquimalt at Tillicum Road Bridge.
In the media release, Saanich broke down the reasons for protected bike lanes:
- designate space for all road users increase comfort of cyclists and promote cycling to new and less confident cyclists
- place cyclists in a predictable space on the roadway
- keep vehicles completely out of bike lanes (no ability to park or pull over into the lanes); and
- promote safety for pedestrians due to extra separation from the roadway.
The project budget is estimated at $500,000, with the bike lanes expected to be open in late 2022.
