More protected bike lanes coming to Fort Street along with additional traffic safety measures

This week, construction will begin on Fort Street’s new and improved protected bike lanes.

Fort Street’s bike lanes will be significantly updated this spring and summer to become more accessible and join the City of Victoria’s all ages and abilities (AAA) cycling network. 

The construction will take place along Fort Street from Cook Street to Foul Bay Road.

Currently, where the protected bike lane ends on the north side of Cook Street, cyclists are made to either cross two lanes of traffic on the arterial road, or ride into oncoming cycling traffic.

“We heard significant support for improved safety on Fort Street during public engagement for the AAA cycling network,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. 

“This project delivers essential updates and safety features for all road users.”

The construction for this 1.7 kilometre project is expected to take up to 10-months to complete, according to the City of Victoria. 

In addition to the protected bike lanes, Fort Street will get repaved, seven new or improved crosswalks, upgraded traffic signals at six intersections, two electric vehicle charging stations, eight new trees and additional public seating.

The city wants the new bike lanes to encourage kids to be able to safely ride their bicycle to and from school when possible, so they will also be adding a covered bike parking shelter at Central Middle School on Fort Street.

“We are thrilled to have a safer way for our students, teachers and staff to get to school,” said Gillian Braun, Central Middle School Principal. 

“The new bike shelter is a perfect addition to this project that will provide much-needed bike parking space for our active school community.”

Victoria’s council and staff also hope the bike lane upgrades will encourage employees of the Royal Jubilee Hospital, downtown businesses and government workers to utilize this new active transport resource—seeing as the lanes will connect the downtown, Fairfield, Rockland, Fernwood and Jubilee neighbourhoods.  

“Island Health promotes active transportation as a low-cost, low carbon and healthy way to get around,” said Dr. Michael Benusic, Medical Health Officer at Island Health. 

“Many staff already cycle to Royal Jubilee Hospital, and the improvements to Fort Street will encourage more employees to ride and walk more often. From a population health perspective, re-designing streets to support active mobility provides health and safety benefits for decades to come.”

Victoria is one of the most bikeable cities in all of Canada and the improvements made to the cycling network help keep the population healthier and aid in reducing the city’s carbon footprint by reducing the amount of vehicles on the road. 

The city says efforts will be made to minimize impacts to traffic through the 10-months of construction; however, commuters should plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time.