Cycling master plan input to be considered

Lethbridge cyclists have spoken. Now planners are considering how the city’s bike-friendly routes can be improved for their use.

Five commuting-related projects were shortlisted earlier this year, and interested cyclists were invited to indicate their priorities.

Work may begin next summer, says transportation engineer Adam St. Amant, if a preferred project fits within his budget.

The five possibilities, previously identified as part of the Cycling Master Plan, are:

• Downtown 4 Avenue, between Scenic and Stafford Drives;

• Stafford Drive, 5 Avenue North to 7 Avenue South (excluding overpasses);

• 2A Avenue North, Stafford Drive to 13 Street;

• 6 Street South, 3 Avenue to 7 Avenue; and

• A route alongside Highway 3, Mayor Magrath Drive to 32 Street South.

Open house presentations were made last month to gather input and St. Amant says residents were also invited to submit their comments through the internet. Earlier, officials also sought residents’ views through interviews at the Word on the Street Festival and the season’s final Farmers’ Market.

Nearly 200 people turned up for the open house, he reports.

“We’re pretty happy we’re getting feedback from the wider community as well,” St. Amant says.

With that in hand, transportation department officials will be able to recommend future projects.

City officials are, meanwhile, awaiting word on another pathway project, this one on Scenic Drive North.

Work has already been completed on a project widening the pedestrian/cyclist pathway over the 5 Avenue North exit from the Crowsnest Trail, but there is still just a narrow Scenic Drive sidewalk over the highway’s through route.

“We are just waiting for an agreement from the province so we can proceed,” says Richard Brummund, the City’s road infrastructure manager.

“Once the agreement is signed and in place, we can finish the design and then complete the construction next year.”

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