Cycling improvements are coming to two new cycling routes in the District of Oak Bay, with construction starting on the Henderson and Haultain-Estevan Neighbourhood Bikeways.
“These two new cycling routes will bring safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians, ensuring a safe way for people to travel to and through the District of Oak Bay,” said Steve Rennick, Director of Engineering and Public Works.
The routes will see improvements including speed humps, crosswalk improvements, road markings and cyclist-controlled crossings. The contract for construction was awarded to Erdem Excavating, who will begin construction on Tuesday, March 10. Community engagement for both routes took place between 2024 and 2025.
The two routes include:
- Henderson Bikeway: Starting along Elgin Road at Oak Bay Avenue, through Bee Street, Florence Street, then Henderson Road and connecting to existing cycling lanes on Henderson at Foul Bay Road.
- Haultain-Estevan Bikeway: Starting with a controlled crossing at Foul Bay Road at Haultain Street, moving along Haultain through Eastdowne Road to Estevan Avenue, ending at Willows Beach.
A neighbourhood bikeway includes signs, pavement markings and additional measures to calm the flow of traffic. According to the BC Active Transportation Design Guide, bikeways traditionally have low motor vehicle volumes and speeds allowing cyclists and vehicles to share the road.
Highlights include cyclist-controlled crossings at Foul Bay Road at Haultain Street, Estevan Avenue at Beach Drive and at Henderson at Lansdowne Road. There will also be over 100 metres of sidewalk improvements, 11 intersections receiving safety improvements and a roundabout installed at Haultain Street at Eastdowne Road. Construction of the roundabout will also include sanitary and storm main replacements in the area.
Construction is anticipated to take place until Summer 2026. This project aligns with the work of Oak Bay’s Active Transportation Strategy, a long-term plan to support safer, healthier and more sustainable ways to get around Oak Bay. Updates can be found for: