​Teen calls on Kincardine to improve bicycle infrastructure in municipality

Ryo Winchester wants Kincardine council to improve the infrastructure throughout the municipality for the benefit of bicyclists.

The 13-year-old made a presentation at the council meeting Wednesday, Sept. 24, noting that youth destinations, such as the soccer and baseball fields, Davidson Centre, schools, Kincardine to Inverhuron Provincial Park (KIPP) trail, and the waterfront, are not connected to existing bike infrastructure; and that stop-gap measures are needed now to keep young cyclists safe.

Ryo recommended Kincardine install sharrows which are “shared-lane” road markings, painted in travel lanes to remind motorists that they should expect to see, and share the road with, bicyclists.

He suggested these be installed on Durham Street at the access to the Davidson Centre and Kincardine District Senior School; on Russell Street at St. Anthony’s and Huron Heights schools; on Queen Street in downtown Kincardine; and at the north end of Queen Street from Broadway to the KIPP trail. He also requested that the 13 Stop signs along the five kilometres of the KIPP trail (one-way) be removed. “Would you stop 13 times on your way to school?” he asked.

In addition, he recommended extending the bike path to the bottom of Bruce Avenue, toward the lakeshore, and add infrastructure to force vehicles out from the curb when heading up the hill; add bike boxes to the left-hand turn lanes at the Broadway and Queen Street intersection, and put sharrows at the access to Connaught Park where on-street parking exists.

“The problem is, we’re told by our parents to ride on the sidewalks for safety, but the municipality tells us to ride on the road,” said Ryo. “We need better infrastructure to keep all cyclists safe.”

“Thanks for bringing these concerns to council about improving safety for the cycling community in Kincardine,” said mayor Kenneth Craig.

“That was a brilliant presentation,” said deputy mayor Andrea Clarke. “Are you an avid cyclist?”

“Yes,” said Ryo.

Councillor Stellina Williams asked Ryo if he had considered biking on the trail system where it would be safer.

“It’s faster to bike on the road,” he said.

Ryo’s concerns will be referred to staff and a report brought back to council for consideration.