There will be no bike lanes added along McNaughton Avenue in Chatham.
Council shot down a recommendation by a vote of 10-5 to install the lanes from the north side of McNaughton Avenue West between Juliette Avenue and Fergie Jenkins Parkway and remove parking along this stretch of road.
Mayor Randy Hope said as traffic flows have changed in the area over the years, it wouldn’t be the best option to have bike lanes along this stretch.
“I’m having a difficult time,” he said. “Our infrastructure has changed. Everybody is using the quickest route … traffic flows have changed drastically.”
Wallaceburg Coun. Sheldon Parsons said not moving forward with this initiative “jeopardizes the healthy communities movement.
“If the only thing that prevents this is residential parking, then I think our priorities are wrong,” Parsons said.
Chatham resident Linda Corrente said during a deputation that extending the bike lanes is a must.
“Have you ever ridden a bike along McNaughton Avenue? I was afraid for my life,” she said. “Bike paths are important for safety.”
Corrente added she allowed her former gym class to all ride on the sidewalk, due to the safety risk on the street.
Chatham resident Brad French said he and some of his McNaughton Avenue neighbours, were opposed to the bike lanes in this area, as it’s too busy of a street for cyclists.
“Traffic is increasing on this road,” he said during a deputation. “We’re not against bikes lanes. But this is a risk.”
Thomas Kelly, general manager of infrastructure and engineering, said a study was conducted which is going to cause staff to recommend taking the parking off this stretch of road regardless of whether the bike lanes were installed. Kelly said this recommendation would happen at the next regular council meeting.
If this is about a healthy communities movement as Sheldon Parsons stated, then do it right and spend the extra money when it's available. Connect the existing bike paths that families can use safely. Cars travel between 50 to 80 kms per hour down this road. I do not want my family on a bike next to that. Experienced riders are an exception, and healthy initiatives should include children.
I have lived on McNaughton Ave West for nearly 40 years. I have seen it change from a dirt road to almost a freeway. If Linda Corrente thinks bike lanes will make her safer, I invite her to sit at my house for a day and watch the traffic flow. Painted white lines will NOT make her any safer!! Don't get me wrong,I am in favour of healthy initiatives but not at the risk of life and limb.
The traffic on McNaughton Ave, pales in comparison to the traffic in Chicago and there are bike lanes throughout downtown Chicago. I rode a bike through downtown Chicago and the only thing I have to say is you must be alert and cautious. The same can be said for Chatham. The drivers in Chicago adapt well to the bike lanes!!!
How long did it take them to adapt Judi? I have been to Chicago and it works well. But Chatham drivers don't know the rules of the bike lanes. They even pass without looking. I've also seen a young woman pushing a baby carriage in a bike lane. Education first!!