A new video is shining a light on cycling infrastructure in Saanich.
A video posted on the X account @Brantastic5 (you can watch it below) shows a rider heading along the path along Gorge Road.
“New cycling infrastructure along Gorge Road in @saanich is seriously spectacular,” reads the post. “Probably second only to Dallas Road in terms of sheer beauty. Looking forward to this route being extended all the way to Government Street through Saanich and Victoria and hope for a more seamless connection at Tillicum Road.”
Others agreed.
“Looks really nice. Look forward to it connecting up to Gorge Road and Government Street,” said Al Roberts.
New cycling infrastructure along Gorge Road in @saanich is seriously spectacular. Probably second only to Dallas Road in terms of sheer beauty. pic.twitter.com/8LcVTKmmuM
— Brandon 🌿 he/him (@Brantastic5) December 19, 2023
Saanich is known for being progressive about adding new cycling infrastructure. It often touts is “curb plunking” program.
But what is curb plunking?
It’s a reference to the machine – the “curb plunker” – as well as the sound it makes while laying down pre-cast concrete barriers along roads to buffer (and protect) bike lanes from car traffic, like the ones installed on Shelbourne Street and Tillicum Road near the end of 2022.
Saanich council members have been seen in T-shirts promoting the program.
“Saanich staff described the sound of the machine putting the cement down as curb plunking,” said Coun. Colin Plant, who organized the shirts, in a 2023 interview with Black Press Media.
“To me, it’s just a funny-sounding word, but it’s also what’s happening as the machine plunks down the cement.”
While they may sound funny, Plant said the concrete barriers play an important role in not only protecting cyclists, but giving them peace of mind.
“To have people walk, be healthy and get out of their car – that’s the goal because we all know that we need to do whatever we can to lower our carbon footprint. And if we can walk or bike instead of driving, then we all win,” said Plant.
- With files from Black Press Media
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