Local cycling advocates are questioning the BC Governments plans to study the feasibility of separated cycling and pedestrian infrastructure on Nelson’s Big Orange Bridge.
Solita Work, Vice President of the West Kootenay Cycling Coalition, embraces the idea of separated cycling infrastructure on the bridge but questions where it would link to, as there’s no separated infrastructure in the City of Nelson other than on Lakeside Drive.
“I think it would be great to improve the Big Orange Bridge, but it doesn’t really link to anything at this point. The North Shore is a popular spot for people to ride bikes, and if we’re going to improve that bridge, then perhaps the feasibility study should also include looking at putting in some separated infrastructure for that link too.”
Works’ reaction comes after the BC Government announced it would be conducting a feasibility study to assess the potential for protected bike lanes and cantilevered sidewalks on both sides of the bridge.
The goal of the study is to improve safety and increase connectivity to the regions trail networks and destinations on the north and south shore of Kootenay Lake, but Work has questions about what will be involved and how the province decided to that bridge.
“My problem with this announcement is that people aren’t just taking the bridge, they’re going somewhere else too, and safe links must be attached to that bridge,” she said.
“I’m wondering what the study will be looking at? If it’s simply to connect the bridge to other pathways, are they going to be building more pathways? How did they choose this particular project out of all the ones in the region, and who are they consulting with?”
The BC Government is providing funds for the study through CleanBC, which has allocated $85 million to support11 active transportation projects across the province.
Work said she believes the addition of separate and safe cycling and pedestrian infrastructure could be possible on the bridge but wants to know why the province is investing in these projects now.
“There is an obvious need on that bridge, but why that particular infrastructure? It feels to me like clickbait for a campaign.”
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