Driving from Westview to Townsite without thinking about bicycles has been nearly impossible of late, regardless of the chosen route.
Work recently completed or currently underway involves heavy equipment and traffic controllers, not bicycles, but the end result will be beneficial to those who choose two-wheeled transport for commuting to work or school, or solely for recreation. Hence the thoughts of gleeful, omnipresent cyclists who have waited patiently for improvements to the routes that connect the two neighbourhoods.
BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure continues to upgrade sections of Highway 101/Marine Avenue between Willingdon Beach and Hemlock Street in Townsite, which will make that route safer for cyclists (and pedestrians), and phase four of City of Powell River’s Municipal Cycling Plan was slowing traffic along Manson Avenue in June.
The result of these two initiatives, whether intended specifically for cyclists or not, provides a little more room for anyone nervous about pedalling along Powell River’s busiest routes for vehicle traffic. Dedicated bike lanes and shared lanes make travelling from Westview to Townsite, through Cranberry or along Marine, a little easier on the nerves for those who perceived the routes as dangerous before the improvements.
Now all wannabe cyclists require is ambition, determination and inspiration to dust off their bikes, tune them up and try out the new lanes.
The arrival of the 600 athletes competing in stage three of BC Bike Race on Monday, July 9, just might provide that needed inspiration. The mere presence of the competitors will also make it difficult to not think about cycling.
Sure, the single-track stage race takes place in trails throughout Powell River’s backcountry, but the spectacle itself shines a light on the option to spend more time using a self-propelled mode of transport in the bush or on the road.
Upon arrival on Sunday, July 8, after getting settled in their camp at Willingdon Beach, race entrants and support teams will be swarming the area, warming up or making sure equipment is working properly. Here’s hoping the sights and sounds of the epic sporting event rubs off on a few locals. Who knows, maybe one of them will enter the race next year. How about you?
Fans interested in watching BC Bike Race live can learn about the best viewing locations in David Brindle’s article on page eight of this issue.
