Windsor transit committee votes against Wyandotte bike lanes, supports zigzag option
Cycling activists say decision shows committee isn't looking at Windsor's future
Cyclists planning to travel across Windsor using the city's bike loop will have to zigzag around Wyandotte Street East if the transportation committee has its way.
The Environment, Transportation and Public Safety Standing Committee bypassed the proposed bike lanes that would have run from George Avenue to Vernon Crescent, instead recommending council select an option that gives Pillette Village and Riverside a wide berth.
"It's the most balanced and reasonable option without drastically changing the entire traffic network in an area that might have negative consequences," said Coun. Fred Francis, who was part of the slim three to two vote in favour of winding around Wyandotte.
He added he was "severely concerned" about bike lanes increasing congestion along the already busy road.
But Coun. Chris Holt argued the decision to exclude bikes from Wyandotte ignored the various groups who attended the meeting in support of the plan.
"The fact that we're ignoring all the stakeholders in this at the risk of inconvenience a motorist, but we're willing to inconvenience another road user is completely inappropriate," he said, adding cyclists can add a "vibe" and "life" — not to mention cash, to neighbourhoods.
"Cyclists spend just as much money as somebody arriving in a car," he said. "We can't discount them just because we don't see them as much as we see cars."
Bike Windsor Essex Executive Director Lori Newton said she was disappointed in the vote, stating it showed the committee wasn't looking far enough ahead.
"We have very wide roads here and there should be enough room for all road uses," she said. "To have an opportunity to spend money on our roads and then to ignore the cycling community is irresponsible and not looking at the future."
The committee's recommendation will go before council in about a month where community members will have another chance to raise concerns before a final decision is made.