PEI

Province gearing up to add bike lane to Hillsborough bridge

A bike lane is being added to the Hillsborough bridge that connects Stratford and Charlottetown as part of the construction that will be done to consolidate the two communities' sewage systems.

The province will go through a consultation process to finalize designs

David Dunphy, the mayor of Stratford, said the bike lane has been talked about for years among residents and city officials. (Natalia Goodwin/CBC)

A bike lane is being added to the Hillsborough bridge that connects Stratford, P.E.I., and Charlottetown as part of the construction that will be done to consolidate the two communities' sewage systems.

"When steps are taken to modify the bridge to accommodate the new wastewater system our government will be looking to add an additional active transportation lane to the bridge," said Premier Wade MacLauchlan.

The province will consult with cyclists, municipal officials, and other stakeholders to come up with the design.

MacLauchlan also said the province will be submitting a funding application to the federal government.

'This is fantastic'

Stratford Mayor David Dunphy said the idea of a bike lane has been in the works for years. 

"The active transportation corridor has been the number one issue raised by our residents in terms of active transportation over the last number of years," he said. "It's going to be safer to bike across that bridge."

Josh Underhay is a cycling activist that worked on a petition calling for the bike lane. He said the new lane may drive more people to start using bicycles instead of cars.

Cycling activist Josh Underhay said the benefits of the bike lane may bring more people into the cycling community. (Natalia Goodwin/CBC)

"People who aren't currently members of the cycling community that may venture out on that bike when they realize they aren't putting their lives at risk."

"This is fantastic."

With files from Natalia Goodwin