Walking, cycling, and rolling is more accessible thanks to the completion of the 17th Street corridor Improvement project in Courtenay.
The $1.72 million project was made to bring improvements on 17th Street between Fitzgerald and Willemar avenues, and make the Comox Valley’s active transportation network safer and more accessible for people who walk, cycle, and roll.
These improvements include new sidewalks from the Rotary Trail to Fitzgerald Avenue, shorter road crossing distances, and new pedestrian-controlled flashing beacons.
On-street parking, maintained curb-protected cycle tracks from Rotary Trail to Fitzgerald Avenue, painted and parking-protected bike lanes, and new trees planted on 17th Street at McPhee Avenue have also been added.
Mayor Bob Wells says that the upgraded corridor will benefit all commuters.
“This project increases separation between vehicles and people travelling on foot, by bike, and with mobility aids, and makes pedestrians more visible,” said Wells. “This is even more important as our daylight hours get shorter in fall and winter, for people travelling to school, work, the grocery store, and beyond.
”Our local bike stores tell me seniors represent the fastest-growing number of e-bike users, opening up a whole new demographic of cyclists in Courtenay. “
To learn more about the project, visit the City of Courtenay’s website.
Story by Hussam El-Ghussein
