Saanich residents would like to see some 200 kilometres of additional sidewalks, many in residential areas.

That is one of the findings emerging from the latest Moving Saanich Forward It presents the draft of the long-term plan that will guide SaanichB次元官网网址檚 planning for active transportation, such as walking and cycling for the next 30 years and beyond,

Saanich launched this project under the title of in late 2016 through thewith an end date of Spring 2018.

B次元官网网址淭he sidewalk [issue] is a key thing that has come up,B次元官网网址� said Coun. Judy Brownoff, chair of SaanichB次元官网网址檚 planning, transportation and economic development committee, when asked which of the findings surprised her.

Brownoff said the wants to make sure Saanich residents will be able to use active forms of transportation safely and conveniently, whenever they step out of their homes.

B次元官网网址淵es, there will be always be car drivers,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淏ut if you make these alternative forms of transportation [walking, cycling, and public transit] accessible and convenient, people will slowly start to use them,B次元官网网址� she said.

The report organizes its recommendations under three headings B次元官网网址� connections, convenience, and culture B次元官网网址� and notes many Saanich residents are already using an extensive network of sidewalks, multi-use pathways and trails, and bicycle facilities. B次元官网网址淗owever, there are a number of gaps and barriers in SaanichB次元官网网址檚 existing active transportation network.B次元官网网址�

A lack of sidewalks can discourage people from walking as they are forced to walk on the street or on unpaved areas beside the street. B次元官网网址淭his is not only less accessible and desirable, it can also be unsafe,B次元官网网址� it reads.

The report also recommends improvements to SaanichB次元官网网址檚 existing bicycle network of over 130 kilometres in identifying B次元官网网址渟ignificant gaps in the existing bicycle network as well as many areas with no bicycle facilities.B次元官网网址� While Saanich is a bicycle friendly community, Brownoff said the long-term goal of the plan is to develop a network that would be suitable for persons aged eight to 80.

The report also calls on Saanich to improve local transit access.

B次元官网网址淭here are several reasons why integrating transit with walking and cycling is important, including the fact that most people using transit are accessing it by foot or by bicycle,B次元官网网址� it reads. B次元官网网址淎s a result, improving access and connections to transit for people walking and cycling and improving the customer experience at bus stops and exchanges can help to not only promote transit but also to encourage more walking and cycling.B次元官网网址�

The report also calls on Saanich to make active forms of transportation more convenient. B次元官网网址淧eople walking, cycling and using other forms of active transportation typically travel shorter distances than people driving or using transit,B次元官网网址� it reads.

The report, accordingly, underscores the importance of land use, asking Saanich to support higher density and mixed use developments offering more destinations within shorter distances.

B次元官网网址淎reas that contain a mix of commercial, institutional, and recreational uses, allow residents the opportunity to B次元官网网址榣ive, work, and playB次元官网网址� in the same area and to move between activities conveniently on-foot, bicycle, or transit,B次元官网网址� it reads.

The report also calls on Saanich to develop a culture that encourages Saanich residents to use active forms of transportation through education and awareness. Active transportation is also about changing life-styles, said Brownoff.

Members of the public can comment on the following open houses held last month. Staff will then review and refine public input over the winter, with final adoption and implementation scheduled for the spring of 2018, which also when the public will learn about costs.

While Brownoff said it is too early to comment on costs, she would like to see Saanich adopt a balanced approach when it comes to adopting recommendations.