Safe road shoulders are very important for cyclists, and also for all road users.
This has been a major focus for local non-profit group Transportation Choices Sunshine Coast (TraC) as they try various strategies to bring the Ministry of Transportation’s attention to problem areas on local roads.
“We’ve been trying to work with Ministry staff to maintain our road shoulders, to sweep gravel debris and thick mud build up, which is in their maintenance contract, and to fix cracks, potholes and sudden narrowing of road shoulders. So far, response has been slow, but we’re encouraged by recent improvements at Selma Park Road,” said TraC president Tim Howard.
TraC’s goal is to get more people out of single-occupancy vehicles and into alternatives such as public transit, walking and bicycles.
“Many people are reluctant to get on their bikes because of the poor state of the roads,” Howard said. “So we’re working on both ends, organizing events like the annual Bike to Work and School Week at the end of May, a Share the Road campaign, and advocating for improved cycling infrastructure.”
Come out and join regular citizens as they sweep bike lanes and send a clear message to Ministry of Transportation that there are many road users who do care about the safety of our road shoulders.
TraC’s next bike lane sweeping event is this Friday, April 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. Meet at the Welcome to Gibsons sign on Marine Drive east of Gibsons.
For more details, see www.transportationchoices.ca
