We are committed to making the experience of walking and biking and using alternate transportation to the car a happier, more pleasant experience. To that end, we are developing an Active Transportation Plan.
Widening sidewalks, providing more bike racks and shower facilities around town for those who wish to bike to work or to shop are all on the “to do” list.
This is not about getting rid of cars, closing streets or getting rid of parking. It is about making pedestrians and residents safer and healthier as they move in and out of our town.
Below is the statement from the City:
Maneuvering the streets, sidewalks and trails is about to get much easier for all residents and visitors of the Cowichan Valley. The City of Duncan, Cowichan Tribes and the Municipality of North Cowichan are working together on an Active Transportation Plan for this region that is designed to take back the streets from the automobile.
James van Hemert, the City of Duncan’s Director of Development Services explained, “many roadway improvements made in the past decades have been solely for enhancing automobile movements at the expense of mobility for pedestrians and cyclists, and this coalition places safe, sustainable transportation alternatives at the top of its agenda.”
This Active Transportation Plan reflects the City of Duncan’s Official Community Plan vision to be one of the most livable small towns in Canada and will define how the City steps into the future. Phil Kent, the Mayor of the City of Duncan said, “this plan will go a long way to address the needs and safety of the residents of this region.” He continued, “The City of Duncan has already demonstrated how effective these capital improvements can be,” citing the Craig Street redevelopment and the numerous sidewalk and crosswalk improvements as examples.
Cowichan Tribes, a long-time supporter of sustainable transportation initiatives and responsible environmental stewardship has enthusiastically pledged its support for an Active Transportation Plan. “This is a fantastic opportunity for Cowichan Tribes, North Cowichan and Duncan to stand up and take action to address some of the environmental concerns present in our communities,” commented Jenn George, Project Manager at Cowichan Tribes.
Along with environmental benefits, active transportation encourages healthy communities as well. A 2009 study by the BC Parks and Recreation Association titled, “Physical Activity and Transportation Benefits of Walkable Approaches to Community Design in British Columbia,” found that even the most modest changes in the walkability of a neighbourhood often translates into important, health-enhancing increases in active transportation and physical activity. These increases are a benefit to the health and happiness of all residents that Duncan, Cowichan Tribes and North Cowichan hold as a top priority.
Tom Walker, Mayor of the Municipality of North Cowichan said, “The creation of an Active Transportation Plan illustrates our recognition of the importance of investing in a variety of transportation choices throughout the region.” He continued, “This plan will complement our vision to create a walkable pedestrian-friendly University Village area, and will help bolster the economic viability and livability of this region now and well into the future.”