MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Fall 2018

FALL 2018 ML BLUE 49 On any given summer weekend, cyclists pour onto on the rural roads surrounding Collingwood and Thornbury/Clarksburg. While some roads have paved shoulders, many don’t. Numerous North American studies over the last few decades have shown that paved shoulders are safer for everyone and save money in the long run by extending the life of a road surface and reducing annual maintenance costs. Grey County is finalizing a paved shoulder policy that would see all road construction or reconstruction include paved shoulders. The Collingwood Cycling Club and the South Georgian Bay Cycling Coalition are currently lobbying other municipalities and counties to adopt a similar program. Given the number of new riders here, paving more shoulders is an ideal way to improve safety and relations between people driving and people cycling. Bryan Plumstead, Manager of Tourism for Grey County, acknowledges the situation on our roads and the steps needed to improve it. “We all are trying to up our game on cycling safety and better education for all road users. While we have been doing some work on this, I think there is a lot more to do, and hopefully a more coordinated effort will take place involving cyclist groups, municipalities and the OPP.” While the Collingwood Cycling Club and local governments are doing what they can, it’s time that we all step up. Contact your local MPP with your concerns about maintaining this area as Ontario’s top cycling destination. Unfortunately the new provincial Government recently cancelled the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling program, so the future of financial support from the Province is now in question. MARC LANDRY/BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT Comfort is a place called Glerups.