Account Login/Registration

Access PentictonNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

Downtown Bike Route segment launches Aug 1 with ribbon-cutting, educational ride

Want to stir up some controversy? Merely mentioning the Lake-to-Lake Bike Route is a good start.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

Even as it's being built, parts of the project remain polarizing. And by "parts," we're talking primarily the northern tip that slices through Martin Street, transforming the very nature of that downtown strip.

From traffic lane disruption to questions over its style and over its safety where it inevitably intersects with traffic or pedestrians, the Bike Route gets more than its share of flack -- particularly on social media.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

But there's praise too. Urban cycling advocates adore it, as do forward-thinking green types, city council of course, and a good chunk of the general population.

Whatever your stance, August 1st looks like a pretty big day in the life of the multi-million dollar affair.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

On that Sunday, the City will officially debut the Martin Street downtown segment. Not only that, it will also populate all 1.2 kilometers of it with "cycling ambassadors," whose duty is to explain its nuances and etiquette.

“There are a few things that cyclists need to be aware of to ensure the safety of riders and drivers when using the route,” said Penticton GM of Community Services Anthony Haddad. “This dedicated event will provide cyclists with the opportunity to try the route out with the support of the local cycling community.”

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who> Route construction was hot and heavy near the library Monday afternoon

The event kicks off at 9 am with an official ribbon-cutting at the Lakeshore and Martin northern termination. Cyclists are then invited to ride the route to the Penticton Public Library for "treats," stopping along the way for Q&A with the cycling ambassadors.

There'll also be a "Pedal Penticton Expo" at Gyro Park, where folks can take "tri-shaw" rides courtesy of Cycling Without Age, demo e-bikes from Freedom Bike Shop and Bike Barn and register their own two-wheelers with the popular Project 529 bike security initiative.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

Reps from Penticton and Area Cycling Association (PACA) and Hoodoo Adventures will be on hand to explain more about area biking.

But the barriers currently in place along Martin will be removed well before the official opening -- as soon as crews finish replacing traffic signal heads. Those wanting to give it a shot early are asked to head here prior to doing so for tips and to test themselves with an online quiz.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"It’s really important that people are very aware, kind and patient as cyclists, pedestrians and drivers get used to this new cycling route,' said mayor John Vassilaki.

“With the construction of this route, Penticton has made significant progress towards the goal of a complete transportation approach and providing safe transportation options for all ages and abilities. This route is a progressive change in our community and I hope to see many citizens join us for the opening event.”



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].




weather-icon
Fri
13℃

weather-icon
Sat
12℃

weather-icon
Sun
15℃

weather-icon
Mon
17℃

weather-icon
Tue
16℃

weather-icon
Wed
12℃


Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy