May 26, 2010 - Today, teens from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s Peer Leader program presented road safety information to their Westgate classmates by enticing them to follow the lane markings that had materialized on hallway floors.  Following the shared-lane symbols, students found themselves at an information booth where they were educated as to their responsibilities when using the City’s new bike and shared lanes. After learning how to navigate the bike lanes and shared lanes, students were given a lanyard to remind them to share the road.

As part of the City’s Active Transportation Plan, several streets in Thunder Bay will soon sport new painted markings, designating that portion of the roadway as a bike lane or shared lane. These designated bike lanes and shared lanes are a first for Thunder Bay and both motorists and cyclists need to learn how to manage them responsibly. 

"I love that the Peer Leaders are spreading the word about bike lanes and shared lanes.  For a lot of people, these new lanes will be confusing, so it’s perfect that we’ve got youth reaching out to youth,” states Adam Krupper, Thunder Bay’s Active Transportation Coordinator.  “The Peer Leaders are going to inform students, and these students will inform parents. This shows how, as a community, we are embracing this positive change."

Bike lanes, restricted to bicycle use only, will soon be available for use on Syndicate Avenue, as well as Walsh and Court Streets.   Shared lanes, essentially regular traffic lanes with markings indicating the safest place for cyclists to ride, will be located on Fassina and John Streets. These new bike throughways have been developed as part of the City’s Active Transportation Plan. 

“It is important for all youth to be involved with the City’s new Active Transportation Plan, as youth need to continue to learn about bike safety,” comments Peer Leader, Stephanie Harri.  “The new bike lanes will keep cyclists of all ages safe and this campaign in the high schools will inform students of the changes coming to our City for the benefit of both the drivers and the cyclists. We are also promoting cycling as a great physical activity and way of transportation within our city.” 

Peer Leaders, Thunder Bay Police and Thunder Bay Risk Watch Coalition are working in partnership to ensure the safety of our children when out on the streets. Cyclist safety is a timely issue as Safe Kids Week approaches from May 31 to June 5, 2010.  This year’s national campaign targets cyclist safety in its “Got Wheels? Get a helmet.” campaign.