Post by cathy on Jul 13, 2005 0:14:57 GMT -5
There was an article on castanet on July 12th regarding Kelowna's sidewalks.
Sidewalk Input Wanted
The City of Kelowna is seeking input from the public regarding proposed changes to the sidewalk standards that would put Kelowna at par with most municipalities of comparable size and population in British Columbia and Alberta. The proposed changes would result in the installation of more sidewalks than are now required.
The proposed changes to the Subdivision, Development and Servicing Bylaw would see sidewalks installed on both sides of Class 2 (minor) collector roads and one side of local roads as a new development standard.
Current City standards require that sidewalks in all new developments be built on:
both sides of arterial roads (i.e. Springfield Road, Glenmore Road and Rutland Road)
both sides of Class 1 (major) collector roads (i.e. Sutherland Avenue, Gerstmar Road and Baron Road)
one side of Class 2 (minor) collector roads (i.e. Dougall Road, Abbott Street, Hobson Road and Yates Road)
no sidewalks on local roads (typical residential roads found in most neighborhoods)
no sidewalks on rural roads, in agricultural areas (i.e. McCulloch Road)
My own regular walking routes take me along Dehart road in the Mission, as well as several roads in Glenmore. While there is bus service both on Gordon and Lakeshore, and several schools near by, there is no safe place for pedestrians along Dehart. The lack of sidewalks along this stretch certainly makes it an unpleasant and unsafe place to walk, with many vehicles travelling at relatively high speeds, and nowhere other than the edge of the road for both pedestrians and cyclists. Some parts of Gordon also lack sidewalks. This not only makes pedestrians feel very insecure, but may also discourage people from walking at all, thus increasing vehicle use.
Walkways such the Abbott Street Recreational Corridor are very pedestrian friendly, and while it is certainly not appropriate for every area, more access such as this needs to be provided for pedestrians.
Sidewalk Input Wanted
The City of Kelowna is seeking input from the public regarding proposed changes to the sidewalk standards that would put Kelowna at par with most municipalities of comparable size and population in British Columbia and Alberta. The proposed changes would result in the installation of more sidewalks than are now required.
The proposed changes to the Subdivision, Development and Servicing Bylaw would see sidewalks installed on both sides of Class 2 (minor) collector roads and one side of local roads as a new development standard.
Current City standards require that sidewalks in all new developments be built on:
both sides of arterial roads (i.e. Springfield Road, Glenmore Road and Rutland Road)
both sides of Class 1 (major) collector roads (i.e. Sutherland Avenue, Gerstmar Road and Baron Road)
one side of Class 2 (minor) collector roads (i.e. Dougall Road, Abbott Street, Hobson Road and Yates Road)
no sidewalks on local roads (typical residential roads found in most neighborhoods)
no sidewalks on rural roads, in agricultural areas (i.e. McCulloch Road)
My own regular walking routes take me along Dehart road in the Mission, as well as several roads in Glenmore. While there is bus service both on Gordon and Lakeshore, and several schools near by, there is no safe place for pedestrians along Dehart. The lack of sidewalks along this stretch certainly makes it an unpleasant and unsafe place to walk, with many vehicles travelling at relatively high speeds, and nowhere other than the edge of the road for both pedestrians and cyclists. Some parts of Gordon also lack sidewalks. This not only makes pedestrians feel very insecure, but may also discourage people from walking at all, thus increasing vehicle use.
Walkways such the Abbott Street Recreational Corridor are very pedestrian friendly, and while it is certainly not appropriate for every area, more access such as this needs to be provided for pedestrians.
