Council hears plan to make Quinte West bicycle friendly

By Rachel Stark

BELLEVILLE – Quinte West city council heard a push to move forward with plans to make itself more bicycle friendly at its council meeting on March 21.

A presentation was held by Tanya Hill, health promoter of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit. She spoke about the five year plan to make Quinte West become a more bicycle friendly community by 2021.

The plan was developed at a bicycle friendly communities workshop held in October of last year by the health unit. Its goal was to create the plan and hear ideas from participating members of the community and city council.

The plan includes ideas such as construction of new bicycle trails and bicycle racks becoming more accessible in public places.

Coun. Allan DeWitt said the work to be done is measured in millions so each step will take time. He added that although it is a long process the council will collectively work on assisting with the plans.

Hill said she hopes to have a local MPP participate in the future community rides to further promote the plan.

New bicycle racks for Loyalist College was also discussed as something to be done in future.