A new group in Sarnia is piloting protected bike lanes.
The nuSarnia Foundation recently installed a pop-up blue bike lane and blue pylons on Colborne Road between Lakeshore Road and Charlesworth Drive.
Executive Director Tristan Bassett said the intention is to give people an opportunity to experience cycling in a safe and protected space.
"More comfortable cycling, more awareness to the fact that Sarnia even has bike lanes, and to really just bring up the conversation of 'can I get where I'm going without having to jump in my car?'"
Bassett said these protected bike lanes are found in many cities and that they have proven physical benefits.
"It absolutely is effective in reducing traffic speed on that road, there's less accidents and injuries, and increased driver awareness of the cyclist beside them."
Volunteers with nuSarnia installing a temporary protected bike lane. August 2022. (Photo provided by nuSarnia)
Bassett said the foundation is in the process of collecting some hard data so that they can report back on the effectiveness of the temporary project. She said a lot of neighbours have provided some really great feedback, including cars driving slower and a greater gap between the vehicles and the bike lane.
Bassett said without protected bikes lanes, a lot of cyclists still use the sidewalk.
"Because I think a lot of people still don't quite have the confidence to share the road with vehicles, especially if you're new to cycling or you have young children."
Bassett said she would love to see more people using the city's cycling infrastructure.
"Much more people out in the city cycling with their friends and their family, kids cycling to school, people cycling to work, that's our hope. And then with that demand, the city prioritizes adding more infrastructure and enhancing the infrastructure that we do have in place."
This marks nuSarnia's first project since being formed earlier this year. Bassett said the group wants to improve the quality of life of the residents in Sarnia and to have a hand in helping to create a more connected, active and healthier community.
The group has partnered with Youth Spokes, the Slow Roll and the upcoming Mitton Village Block Party.
-With files from Melanie Irwin