First protected lane to be built on Pandora

Cyclists cruising downtown on Pandora Avenue find the white painted lines of the bicycle lane disappear abruptly at Cook Street — but not for long.

The City of Victoria plans to build eight protected cycling corridors on major streets under a $7.75-million plan slated to start early in 2016.

First up for the planned bike network is a two-way protected cycling lane on Pandora, the first of its kind in the city.

The plan calls for the lane to be built on the north side of Pandora between Cook and Store streets. It will be separated from motor vehicle traffic by parked cars, bollards or planters. At some intersections, cyclists could have their own traffic signals.

Right-hand turns by vehicles will likely be accommodated via a turning lane, said city spokeswoman Michelle Harris. The details are being considered as the city goes through the design process for the cycling lanes.

“Minimal impact to existing parking is expected,” Harris said, noting that plans call for parking on both sides of the street, except along Harris Green, where parking will be permitted only on the north side of the street.

There will be at least two vehicle lanes along Pandora and transit stops will stay on the north side, she said.

“Detailed designs are being developed and have not been approved by council,” Harris said.