The city will examine a plan that would increase cycling options on a number of trains and roads across greater Saint John.
Nick Cameron from Saint John Cycling presented an active transportation plan to Common Council on Monday night which included eight “shovel-ready projects” around the city.
“A more walkable, bikeable city is a more accessible city for anything with wheels, whether it’s a stroller, wheelchair, a scooter or a walker,” said Cameron.
The $2.5-million project would require a $175,000 investment from the city.
Mayor Don Darling put forward a motion to send the plan to the finance committee to prepare a business plan which could come back to council in September.
Five of the eight proposed projects are “road diets,” which reduce the number of vehicle lanes on roads in order to use some of that space for cyclists or pedestrians.
The plan would see road diets on streets like Chesley Drive and Main Street.
Councillor Donna Reardon was among those who voiced support for the project and encouraged Common Council to prioritize active transportation.
“There are so many aspects of this that are great for a community, from cost-savings to healthier citizens, to a slower pace of living,” Reardon said.
While council supported the motion to look further at the plan, several councillors did have some trepidation when discussing the project.
David Merrithew is the chair of the finance committee and though he supported the motion, he was among the councillors who said there may be “bigger fish to fry” in the city as the province gears up for an election.
“Before staff eyes get on this (project), I’ll take the numbers from the presenters with a grain of salt,” Merrithew said.
“Down the road, we’ll go through the 2021 budget, and there was a lot of blood, sweat and tears put into that budget. I’m not about to spend any money without a proper business case.”
