Officials with the Town of Port Hawkesbury are considering becoming a cycling hub for the region.
They’ve partnered with their counterparts from Bicycle Nova Scotia to conduct a study on the best way to add the town to the provincial bicycle network, known as the Blue Route.
Paula Davis, the town’s recreation director, the goal isn’t to add dedicated bike lanes.
“It’s not a protected, singular-use bike lane- this is using streets that we have in the community already, and mapping it out so people can get through the town safely,” she says. “When you think of a bike lane, you’re thinking of a separate line on the shoulder of the road- this may be merely (sharing) the road with a cyclist.”
Davis says Bicycle NS reps will try to identify the best routes through Port Hawkesbury.
She says they’ll then make a plan to put up signs along that route, both to direct cyclists and inform drivers.
“(It’s) generating awareness for motorists that bikes are on the side road as well,” she says. “You have to be aware of that- and operate your car appropriately- to handle both modes of transportation.”
Davis says Bicycle NS reps are planning a community engagement session in September.
She says a proposal to town councillors is expected in 2021.
