Penticton’s new bike and trails network is one step closer to becoming policy after city council voted to send it to public hearing.
It wasn’t without some changes to the original plan that received first reading to on Jan. 21, however. Further consultation resulted in the Ministry of Transportation expressing concern that the plan included a bike lane along Highway 97 from Eckhardt to Skaha Lake Road.
Director of operations Mitch Moroziuk recommended council accept the change and proceed with second reading, though the change provoked opposition from Coun. Helena Konanz, who expressed her concern it was an unreasonable request.
“Who are we kidding, there are hundreds of bicycles on that highway every day. Are we going to pretend that isn’t a bike route? Of course it’s a bike route. Let’s face it, it is one of the main arteries,” said Konanz. “We can’t pretend it isn’t and people will stop using it if we tell them it isn’t.”
The updated plan passed second reading, with Konanz and Coun. Wes Hopkin opposed. Mayor Dan Ashton, however, expressed agreement with Konanz’s point of view.
“We will make sure Highways knows and maybe they should be making the amendments and adjustments themselves,” said Ashton.