FAQs
- Narrower streets or trees that frame the street often slow drivers down by decreasing the ‘racetrack’ feeling.
- Curves, either visually or imposed using center islands, road markings, bollards or planters.
- Making sections of road one-way, adding stop signs midway or dead-ending a road.
- Road paint and markings, such as the curves created with different coloured bricks in the woonerf, tend to slow drivers down.
- And of course, when people are comfortable walking or cycling on streets, vehicles will slow down to accommodate them.
- New sidewalks and bike lanes will be built in priority locations determined by Council based on the Transportation Master Plan. In 2021, sidewalks will be constructed on sections of Painter and Metchosin Roads, followed by several others in 2022 and 2023, with more to follow over the next 10 years.
- The new Colwood Parks & Recreation Master Plan lays out a vision for a series of interconnected trail networks that will link neighbourhoods to trails, commuter routes, parks, and the ocean.
- Galloping Goose bridge: The City has applied for a grant to build a pedestrian and cycling overpass across Sooke Road to connect the Galloping Goose Regional Trail where it’s currently disconnected at Wale Road. The bridge has the potential to be an attractive gateway feature as you enter Colwood’s town centre area.
- Monitoring traffic congestion: The City uses technology to provide real-time data about the number of vehicles, routes, times and average speed between various detection points in the city.
- Transit Priority Lanes: It will also be easier and more convenient to jump on a bus rather than driving as BC Transit increases service to the Royal Bay area and builds priority bus lanes connecting the West Shore to downtown Victoria.
- Encouraging ride sharing: The City will also encourage ride sharing with a new Go Colwood app and is measuring traffic congestion in real time on an ongoing basis to allow for data driven transportation planning.
Has the City collected data about vehicle speeds and volumes on Mt. View Avenue?
Over the past several years, the City has installed temporary speed reader boards to collect traffic data in several neighborhoods at the request of residents.
This traffic data can be viewed on the City of Colwood website at www.colwood.ca/TrafficCalming
Is there a list of all the traffic calming options that could be used?
People often think of speed bumps when they think of traffic calming. But there are many ways to encourage drivers to slow down while increasing comfort.
This list of Traffic Calming Measures outlines a variety of possible approaches.
What else is Colwood doing to plan for the growing number of residents and cars?
While these pilot projects are happening, the City is also working to increase active transportation options in several ways.
Read more at Colwood.ca/GoColwood
Why do people want traffic calming?
Reasons vary: Many people would prefer to live on a quiet street with fewer cars. Growth on the West Shore means people have seen an increase in traffic over time and some may be frustrated by the change. Some people don't feel safe in a space shared by pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, despite evidence that suggests drivers are most likely to slow down where other modes are present. Many residents chose Colwood for its older neighbourhoods with established trees and large lots, while others are keen for change to create the look of a more modern neighbourhood with concrete curbs and sidewalks.