By Mike Anderson
Residents are raising concerns on social media about the safety of new bike lanes installed along Highway 48, with some calling them a “death trap.”
They are particularly concerned about the bike lanes in front of Morning Glory P.S., which may encourage students to cycle to and from school along a busy provincial highway.
The Post twice asked the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) for comment but did not receive a response before publishing.
According to a spokesperson from MPP Caroline Mulroney’s constituency office, the bike lanes are part of a larger $20 million project to rehabilitate Highway 48, including the Pefferlaw River Bridge and the CNR overhead bridge, which runs until 2027.
The bike lanes will connect Lakeridge Rd to the east and Hadden Rd to the west, providing a link to the region’s bike network.
The lanes will be 1.5m (5 feet) wide with a 0.5m (1.69 feet) buffer between traffic.
However, the bike lanes across the CNR overhead bridge will be just 1.37m wide and will not have a buffer.
Despite this, the spokesperson stressed that the bike lanes are safe, within provincial specifications, and have been approved by MTO engineers.
Still, residents point out that there is no physical barrier or median; the only thing separating cyclists from traffic, including gravel trucks, is painted lines on the pavement.
Also, while the speed limit in the school zone drops to 60 km/hr during school hours, it climbs to 80 km/hr after.
Residents are also upset that MTO did not consult with the community before installing bike lanes.
Carolyn Butterworth, the public school trustee for East Gwilimbury & Georgina, said she has been contacted by concerned parents, and confirmed that MTO did not contact her or the school, nor did it ask for their input.
However, Mulroney’s spokesperson stressed the bike lanes should not be considered for student use. He said they are intended for cyclists and cycle clubs who want to connect to an expanded cycle network.
He also pointed out there was no legislative requirement for public consultations.
However, he said public notices were sent to property owners, EMS, the Town of Georgina, schools, and York Region Transit in June.
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