A safe place to lock up a bike is among concerns cyclists have before using them to commute. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Bike Racks and Trails

Bike infrastructure a mixed bag as cycling season begins

Apr 6, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Cycling season is just around the corner, as the weather makes it easier for those who want to bike around Prince Albert to do so. There are a few obstacles for cyclists that have nothing to do with mother nature, however.

While the city has some excellent trails for riding, there are a few additions along those trails and elsewhere that cycling advocates would like to see. Those who cycle for leisure or exercise have some safe, well-maintained options already.

“The Rotary Trail has been a great addition to our city,” said Mike Horn, who owns Fresh Air Experience in Prince Albert and is part of the Rock ‘N’ Road Cycling Club. “I think more trails like that would be great so people could access the rotary trail from their community.”

The trick now is to turn such trails into a good way to get around the city and cycle for transport. In addition to more trails leading off it, cyclists want to know their bikes will be safe when they get wherever it is they’re commuting to.

“You have to choose your target areas in the city where people are working and you want to provide a safe place for them to lock their bike up,” Horn said. “For a very low cost, the city or whomever could install good, secure back racks in high visible, high traffic areas.”

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As the price of gas rises, more and more people may be looking at active transport, especially with the shift in the weather. The problem as of now is there aren’t many places for people to put those bikes and store them safely.

“Every year, we see more and more people coming in for a new bike because their bike got stolen,” said Horn. “A lot of it is their garage has been broken into or their shed or whatever. If you’re going to ride your bike to work, that’s obviously a big, big issue.”

Horn also felt, however, the city didn’t need to bend over backwards to add cycling lanes when the roads were already big enough for cyclists. It’s the actions of those on the roads, both on bikes and in cars, that need the scrutiny.

“The rules of the road and education to cyclists needs to happen,” Horn said. “We’ve got lots of roadways and there’s a lot of space for people to ride, but the rules of the road are there for a reason and both motorists and cyclists need to follow them.”

Horn added bike racks in front of grocery stores would be a good idea to help people use their bikes for errands.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP