Province gearing up to add bike lane to Hillsborough bridge

A bike lane is being added to the Hillsborough bridge that connects Stratford, P.E.I., and Charlottetown as part of the construction that will be done to consolidate the two communities' sewage systems.

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"When steps are taken to modify the bridge to accommodate the new wastewatersystem our government will be looking to add an additional active transportation laneto the bridge," said Premier Wade MacLauchlan.

The province will consult with cyclists, municipal officials, and other stakeholders to come up with the design.

MacLauchlan also said the province will be submitting a funding application to the federal government.

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'This is fantastic'

Stratford Mayor David Dunphy said the idea of a bike lane has beenin the works for years.

"The active transportation corridor has been the number one issue raised by our residents in terms of active transportation over the last number of years," he said. "It's going to be safer to bike across that bridge."

Josh Underhay is a cycling activist that worked on a petition calling for thebike lane. He said the new lane maydrive more people to start using bicycles instead of cars.

"People who aren't currently members of the cycling community that may venture out on that bike when they realize they aren't putting their lives at risk."

"This is fantastic."

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