5K separated bike lane pilot to launch in coming weeks: regional officials

The Region of Waterloo is launching a five-kilometre separated bike lane pilot project in the coming weeks.

The pilot will create designated bike lanes next to roadways that are physically separated from vehicle traffic using bollards and planter boxes.

The five-kilometre network will have links to University Avenue, Columbia Street, King Street, Albert Street and Erb Street as well as connect to the Laurel Trail through Waterloo Park.

The pilot is expected to launch in late August or early September and run until winter 2020, regional officials said.

An education campaign to let people know about the special lanes will also be rolled out and the region will try to measure the number to people using the cycling lanes.

A formal report is expected to go to regional council once the pilot is complete.