Double white lines now span the length of Maple Bay Road and it wasn’t a painting accident.
Maple Bay Road is a popular route for not just vehicles but for cyclists, walkers, runners and others as well. So, in the name of safety, staffers at the Municipality of North Cowichan borrowed the idea from the City of Victoria to paint “gores” along the road’s shoulder.
A North Cowichan press release explained gores serve a double purpose. First, they act as cues for drivers to be alert for pedestrians and cyclists and to be mindful of their vehicle’s position within the lane. Second, they give pedestrians and cyclists a little bit more protection from side mirrors and vehicle overhang by creating more of a gap between them and the vehicle lane.
Think of them as the road’s neutral zone.
“Safety for users is a critical part of our roads program,” said engineering director David Conway. “Maple Bay Road is constrained in its width, making the gore an ideal tool to create a bit more visibility and space for cyclist and pedestrians. Initial reactions have been very positive, and additional signage is in the works to further identify the use of the lane and purpose of the markings.”
sarah.simpson@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter