Saanich looking for public input on the future of walking, biking services

News Relase
For Immediate Release

 

What will the future of biking, walking and other types of active transportation look like in the Island’s largest community?

Through a new initiative called Moving Saanich Forward, the District will develop a vision and plan to guide the development of safe, attractive and convenient active transportation options for people of all ages and abilities over the next 30 years. The final Active Transportation Plan will include policies and actions that will guide investments in active transportation infrastructure and support programs over the short and long term for residents of all ages and abilities.

Active Transportation includes any form of human‐powered transportation; walking and cycling are the most popular and well known forms. However, the definition extends much further to include skateboarding, use of a wheelchair or stroller, in-line skating, and using a mobility aid, among others.

“There are many benefits to walking, biking and using other types of active transportation,” said Harley Machielse, Director of Engineering. “We see a growing need for improved options when it comes to how we move around our community. Through the Moving Saanich Forward project we will help to meet this need, making active forms of transportation a more accessible and attractive choice for residents.”

Get Involved

To launch the public engagement process, residents are invited to complete the Moving Saanich Forward interactive online survey. The goal is to hear from all residents, no matter how they move around – on foot, wheelchair or scooter, by car, bicycle or skateboard. It’s important to learn why active transportation is important to residents and what would encourage them to use these options more often. The survey is available at saanich.ca/movingsaanichfwd from now until January 24, 2017.

The Moving Saanich Forward team will also be out in the community throughout 2017, hosting a variety of events and activities as we explore how to improve and expand walking, cycling and other active mobility options in Saanich. 

Learn More

For more information on the Moving Saanich Forward process or to get involved, please visit saanich.ca/movingsaanichfwd. Find us on social using #movingsaanichfwd and by following us on Facebook: facebook.com/saanich.bc and Twitter: twitter.com/Saanich. 

Quick Facts 

Saanich has:

• 570 km of roads
• 260 km of sidewalks
• 160 km of bike lanes
• 19% of commuter trips in Saanich are currently made on foot, bike or bus. The Saanich Official Community Plan has a goal to raise that to 30% in 20 years.

 

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Media Contact

Harley Machielse
Director of Engineering 
250-475-1775 ext. 5446
harley.machielse@saanich.ca