Bike lanes in Victoria could be significantly expanded

The City of Victoria's network of bike lanes could be significantly expanded by 2018 if a new plan becomes reality.

The Biketoria plan is focused on the development of protected bicycle lanes, neighbourhood greenways, and off-street pathways for all ages and abilities, according toCouncillorJeremyLoveday.

The plan would put in a slew of new bike paths, most of them running north-south, that stretch from Ross Bay to the border of Saanich.

According toLoveday, the plan's main aim is to fill in holes in the existing bike infrastructure to make it more complete.

"It's about creating a connected network so you can travel from one end of the city to the other," he told All Points West host Robyn Burns.

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He put forward the bike route on Pandora as a problem for the new planto solve.

"You're biking along, you feel safe, and then, all of a sudden, you're off in the wilderness," he said. "That type of splotchy network we have, it doesn't feel safe for cyclists, and it also doesn't feel safe for people who are driving in cars, either, because all of a sudden they've got not as much room, and they're interacting with bikes in a way that doesn't make anybody feel safe."

The plan isn't going before council yet, but council is seeking public input into it. They will be hosting a Biketoria summit to officially launch the public engagement process on Nov. 1.

To hear the full story, click on the audio labelled:Victoria eyes expanding bike lane network