A section of the Galloping Goose Trail in Metchosin is getting a much needed update to keep walkers, joggers, cyclists and equestrians safe.
According to Island Health, there is a notorious section of the Goose where those who use the trail have to cross a street where drivers have low visibility.
The intersection in question is where the Galloping Goose crosses Happy Valley Road and Glen Forest Way near Cedar Vista Stables.
The updated intersection is getting updated thanks to a $10,000 provincial grant from the Road Safety Grant Program’s Vision Zero initiative and Island Health.
The Happy Valley Road intersection will now feature solar-powered pedestrian and cyclist-activated crossing signs along with vivid pedestrian crosswalk markings. These things are simple and effective in improving pedestrian and cyclist safety on roadways.
The Goose crosses over roadways at three points in Metchosin. This intersection has been determined the most detrimental to the safety of those who use it.
Happy Valley Road is becoming more of a major traffic artery with every year. Especially considering the growth of Langford in recent years.
“I have walked the trail with my dog and travelled on it on my bike and on horseback and that spot in particular has been a scary and dangerous place to cross,” said Councillor Sharie Epp, District of Metchosin.
“We are so thrilled to have received the grant, and people are loving the new crosswalk. It makes a huge difference. Just having the crosswalk there makes drivers more cautious and encourages them to go a bit slower.”
BC’s Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant Program provides funding to municipalities, Indigenous governments and non-governmental organizations for projects that improve safety on roads in their communities.
The program is meant to reduce the number of road deaths and injuries.
Funding for the initiative is provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and delivered through regional health authorities such as Island Health.
