Council makes Pickford Road traffic calming permanent

Thank you to the many neighbours who shared their thoughts about the recent Traffic Calming Pilot Project on Let’sTalkColwood.ca.

As noted in our letters on April 8 and 21, 2021, the City of Colwood conducted a temporary traffic calming pilot project this summer by adding speed cushions before and after the Galloping Goose crossing on Pickford Road. The cushions are intended to slow drivers down on this wide section of roadway and give pedestrians and cyclists an extra measure of safety when crossing on the Galloping Goose.

The traffic calming pilot project was in place for approximately 90 days and evaluated on an ongoing basis as neighbours shared their views by joining the conversation on LetsTalkColwood.ca.

A summary of the community input received was presented to Council on August 30, 2021. Not all, but most of the community comments regarding the speed cushions felt they resulted in reduced vehicle speeds in the area. Others called for additional actions, such as signs and lighting to increase visibility and clarify how cyclists should use the crossing.

As a result, Council resolved to make the speed cushions permanent and to explore options for signs and lighting that clarify cyclist use of the crossing and increase safety in the area.

Other areas of concern that were identified through the pilot project have also been noted. You may be interested to know that sections of Kelly Road and Hagel Road are both included on Council’s list of priority routes for scoping and design of new sidewalks.

The community’s input into this summer’s four traffic calming pilot projects has helped to clarify concerns, assess the effctiveness of various approaches and guide decisions about permanent improvements in Colwood neighbourhoods.

We are grateful for the healthy discussion as the City continues to work with you and your neighbours to explore options for increasing the comfort and safety of neighbourhoods.