Safe Streets for All!
UPDATE: WHEN WE SHOW UP, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN!
Thank you so much for speaking up for safer streets for everyone who walks, bikes, rolls, or transits in Oak Bay. Your letters really made a difference! Several councillors specifically referenced the volume of supportive letters they received from Oak Bay residents as a reason to make progress on safer streets through the promised Active Transportation network.
On June 15th, Oak Bay Council voted 5 to 2* to:
move three routes forward to design and construction (Cedar Hill Cross Road-Route 3, Lansdowne Road-Route 7, and Henderson Road-Route 8).
conduct public engagement and initial design work for two routes (Central Oak Bay Corridor-Route 4 and Bowker Avenue-Route 2).
This is progress! When we speak up together, we can move closer to safe streets for all.
We’ll be watching for the next round of public consultation on the Central Oak Bay and Bowker routes (later this summer or in the Fall). These are key routes connecting schools and village amenities, so we’ll want to see All Ages and Abilities designs that meet the needs of kids, elders, and other vulnerable users.
CONTEXT:
On Monday June 15th, Oak Bay Council is deciding next steps for building out long-promised safer routes for neighbours who walk, bike, roll, and transit.
Unfortunately, Council has heard a great deal from residents who are opposed to change (especially to changing parking, even to improve sightlines at intersections) - so they need to hear from voices who see these as common sense improvements that will make our streets safer for everyone.
Let’s make sure everyone who walks, bikes, transits, or rolls (by wheelchair, scooter, skateboard, etc) in Oak Bay has a safe route - send Council a quick note of support by clicking HERE or working off the form below. Deadline: noon on Monday June 15th.
We need a viable network of All Ages and Abilities routes that meet the same safety standards as Victoria and Saanich. These safer street improvements are a step in the right direction.
Further info:
June 15th Staff Report: Active Transportation Implementation and 2027 Projects
SD61 School Travel Plans (Monterey Middle School, 2023; École Willows Elementary, 2018)
Letter-writing tips:
When writing to Council, it’s OK to keep it short and sweet! You don’t need to offer a comprehensive policy analysis (unless you’re into that).
Instead, in your own words, you can just tell Oak Bay Council why implementing safer streets through the promised active transportation network matters to you. Consider sharing:
Where you regularly travel in Oak Bay by walking, biking, rolling, or taking transit (work, school, daycare, groceries, community amenities, etc).
Why safer routes that meet All Ages and Abilities standards matter to you / your family.
Your hopes for the future of walking, biking, rolling, and transiting in Oak Bay, including support for building out a viable network of All Ages and Abilities routes.
Your excitement about traffic calming on McNeill or recent crosswalk and bike crossing improvements at Haultain x Foul Bay, Estevan x Cadboro Bay, Henderson x Lansdowne, and other “neighbourhood bikeway” intersections.