A final plan has been approved for new bike lanes in Tecumseh as part of the County Wide Active Transportation System.
Council approved a proposal to add two bike lines while eliminating the centre turning lane on Lesperance Rd. between Riverside Dr. to McNorton St., effectively connecting the Ganatchio Trail all the way to Tecumseh Arena.
Bike Windsor-Essex Executive Director, Lori Newton says approving the project means more than just a new coat of paint for Lesperance Rd.
"This is going to provide another safer space that will encourage people to embrace active transportation and to explore and experience the community from the saddle of a bicycle," she says.
Newton also says it's encouraging to see council is 110% behind active transportation in Tecumseh.
"They understand that progressive cities are investing in bike lanes and that bike lanes are going to slow down the traffic on Lesperance Rd. and make it safer for everybody," added Newton.
She says administration brought forward ideas that go above and beyond the recommendations.
"Maybe look at green paint on the road, arrows on the road, pinch points at intersections, making sure that the driver, the cyclists and the people walking know how they're supposed to behave to ensure that everyone is safe," she says.
Newton says council went further than just looking at the road, recommending the next phase be a multi-use trail away from the roadway for more recreational users.
The Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling and CWATS Municipal Partnership Project Fund will foot most of the $115,000 bill — leaving $11,500 to be paid for by the town.
Work will begin this spring.