In October of this year, City of Powell River unveiled a redesign of a newly protected intersection at Manson Avenue and Duncan Street, which is a four-way stop. The idea was to improve safety standards for all modes of transportation, including cyclists, pedestrians, motorized scooters and cars.
A city media release about the changes stated that “once drivers, cyclists and pedestrians get used to the traffic pattern change, they will experience shorter, simpler crossings, more predictable movements and better visibility between people walking, on bikes and people driving.”
Called a “complete streets” strategy, and part of the city’s Parks and Trails Master Plan, the redesign was a way to increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians, minimize conflicts with drivers and reduce the potential for injury. Although there were initial grumblings on social media message boards, many folks have adjusted and welcome the changes.
“I was skeptical at first, but I find it better, safer and the traffic flows smoother and faster,” said local resident Linda Veenhof. “Now you are dealing with three other vehicles or fewer to continue through, whereas before you could be dealing with seven.”
The four-way stop protocols are still in place but with a few changes as to when cyclists and pedestrians cross.
Another resident, Meghan Hildebrand, who has 20 years of experience cycling in the qathet region, said she likes the improvements at the intersection because 20 years ago there were zero bike lanes.
Comfort zone
“I did not have a particular issue with the intersection before, as I am okay with joining traffic to make a left turn, but not every cyclist is comfortable joining traffic for a left-hand turn,” said Hildebrand. “What I really appreciate with the new rules is that I have the right of way to go straight when a car wants to turn right, and now there is a sign stating as such.”
Hildebrand thinks the city is moving in the right direction and noted one dangerous area for cyclists in town is where the bike lane abruptly ends on Manson Avenue near Cranberry Street.
“That should carry through all the way to Cranberry Street,” said Hildebrand. “Something to start considering is covered bike parking. I go to businesses like Save-on-Foods that have sheltered bike racks, making loading and unloading much easier.”
Some residents have said anecdotally on social media that they never see cyclists at Manson and Duncan, however, Hildebrand pointed out that: “Just because you don't see a cyclist every time you use that intersection does not mean we don't use it; we are no threat to you in your car, and we also pay taxes.”
Even before the changes to the intersection at Manson and Duncan, some people have been confused about four-way stop protocol.
“If everyone had a quick look at the new procedure, I think we’d all be on the same page,” said Hildebrand.
Former city councillor CaroleAnn Leishman is thankful that the city is taking the initiative to make everyone feel safer on the roads.
“I see the changes at this intersection as an improvement for bikes and for cars,” said Leishman. “It makes way more sense now not having that left turning lane, which confused whose turn it was to go.
“A friend and I sat at the corner of Duncan and Manson for two hours one day right after the intersection improvements were installed to specifically count people riding bikes, walking and on mobility scooters. We wanted to get a count of what a period of time would look like at that intersection to show that the improvements were necessary.”
Leishman said between 3 and 5 pm in early October they witnessed 29 people on bikes, 23 people walking and two mobility scooters.
“All the folks we saw were cycling for transportation,” said Leishman, meaning users were not mountain biking or recreational biking or walking, but transporting themselves from one place to another.
“I'm happy that I live in a town that is finally making room for bikes,” said Hildebrand. “I predict there will be many more people switching to bikes as the technology of e-bikes keeps improving and the cost of living continues to rise.”
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