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Fitzgerald bicycle lanes on Courtenay council's radar

Courtenay council will soon consider whether to proceed with Fitzgerald Avenue street improvements include bicycle lanes.

Courtenay council will soon consider whether to proceed with Fitzgerald Avenue street improvements that will include bicycle lanes on both sides from Eighth to 21st streets, new signage and improved sight lines.

The majority of vehicle parking would remain in place.

Bike lanes were originally dedicated from Eighth to 26th streets when the project was conceived in February 2011. Fitzgerald is considered a key north-south cycling link.

The cost is estimated at $35,000.

At Monday's meeting, Coun. Jon Ambler said it's one more step in a long process to deliver cycling infrastructure.

"This is not the mother of all projects," he said, noting infrastructure in Calgary enables commuters to pedal to work, even in snow.

The City hosts a public information session with the latest project plans on Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in council chambers.

The City has used feedback from previous sessions to develop a design that balances the needs of drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and residents on Fitzgerald.

Staff will report to council early November. If approved, the project would be completed later in the month.

The proposed changes could be the first step towards other improvements, in terms of beautification and traffic calming on Fitzgerald.

reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com