Path completed near Brock
Those walking or biking to Brock University are a little bit safer as of Wednesday, following the opening of a new paved path along Decew Rd. and Merrillville Highway.
About 150 people attended the ribbon cutting at the Niagara Region headquarters, which was followed by a slow-paced bike ride along the path, led by Outspokin, a cycling group from Port Colborne.
Elizabeth Yates, who works with the Thorold Active Transportation committee as well as being a professor at Brock, says the new path is really exciting for her because — weather permitting — she’s been commuting by bike to work since she moved here in 2013.
“It’s always a little scary because of the traffic,” says Yates.
“Now that the path is here, I feel so safe. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
She says it’s also great to know the students will be safer too.
Faisal Hejazi, president of Brock University Student’s Union says Brock executives have been lobbying for the trail since 2007.
He says two years ago, one of their executives witnessed a motorcycle accident because of the lighting, which really pushed efforts forward.
“Student safety is the most important thing,” said Hejazi with regards to the motivation of the project.
“Not only for just students, but for the Thorold and St. Catharines communities as well.”
He says one of the beautiful things about this project was how many people came together to accomplish it.
“It was a combination of the province, Thorold and the Region that came together to collaborate on the initiative.”
Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially open the path and remarks by regional chair, Alan Caslin and Thorold Mayor, Ted Luciani, most of those in attendance took part in the ride along the path, ending back at the Niagara Region headquarters.
Rob Salewytsch, founder of Outspokin, a cycling group from Port Colborne, said Outspokin was there to help celebrate with the city.
“It’s one thing to have infrastructure. Sometimes it takes people who are willing to ride to go out and ride as well.”
Part of the development of the path also included enhanced lighting along Decew Road and Merrittville Highway.
Construction began in 2016, in which Decew Road was reconstructed from Richmond Street to Merrittville Highway.
The multi-use paths are part of Niagara’s Bicycling Master Plan Network and the Brock District Plan – a comprehensive plan to transform and enhance the roads and public spaces around Niagara Regional headquarters and Brock University, according to a release from the Niagara Region.