Cyclists say a new multi-use trail connecting the Galloping Goose to Sooke Road is great, but there is still a dangerous gap in the network.
The Galloping Goose-Sooke Connector trail officially opened July 11. About 400 metres of paved, separated multi-use trail runs along Sooke River Road, from Kirby Road to Sooke River Road Park. Another 400 metres of gravel trail runs through the park to Sooke Road.
Edward Pullman, president of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, said what’s missing is a cycling-friendly bridge across the Sooke River.
The connector leads to Sooke Road, where the existing bridge is too narrow to add a bike lane and the only option is riding or walking your bike along the sidewalk.
“It’s great to have that connection, but we still need a high-quality cycling route suitable for all ages into downtown Sooke,” Pullman said.
“A pedestrian-cycling bridge further north of the Sooke Road bridge crossing would provide a safe and direct connection for users of the Galloping Goose into downtown Sooke.”
Julie Budgen, vice-president of the Sooke Bike Club, said the connector adds to a growing list of cycling facilities in the region, including a bike park at the SEAPARC Leisure Complex.
“We’re all about getting people on their bikes and this will make it easier,” Budgen said.
But she echoed Pullman’s concerns.
“For people crossing the bridge, it can be intimidating,” Budgen said.
The District of Sooke explored the option of a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly bridge across the Sooke River in 2009.
Staff estimated the cost was $1.86 million, which was deemed too expensive, Coun. Rick Kasper said.
The connector unveiled this week cost about $128,000, which came in under the $150,000 budget. Half of the funding came from a Bike B.C. grant.
Kasper said besides connecting the Galloping Goose with Sooke Road, the new connector also creates new access to a tract of riverfront property purchased by the municipality in 2010.
“We wanted to establish both a separate, multi-use trail from the road and also find a way of opening up a park that fronts on the river that has never had access to the flats below. With this project, we actually accomplished both,” Kasper said.
He said $600,000 has been earmarked for capital projects over the next three years, as part of the municipality’s five-year capital plan.
“Right now, our priorities, as far as council is concerned, is more accessibility in the core area of Sooke, multi-purpose trails and sidewalks,” he said.
