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New signs may make region more bike-friendly

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Drivers on Oxford County roadways may soon see new signs popping up, encouraging motorists to share the road with cyclists in the region.

As part of the county’s Transportation Master Plan, which was adopted last year, a recommendation will be presented to County Council this week to erect “Share The Road” signs on four Oxford County roads.

“Except where they are prohibited, on the 400 series highways for example, cyclists are permitted to use all roads so these signs just are intended to advise motorists that cyclists do use the road and to use caution,” said Frank Gross, construction coordinator for the county.

Gross said that if approved by council, residents can expect signs up by the fall or even earlier.

Initially, public works will begin with four roads including Oxford Road 4 between Township Road 3 and 16th line, Oxford Road 33, between Oxford Road 6 and Oxford Road 4, Oxford Road 20 in Tillsonburg from Highway 19 to Oxford Road 10, and Oxford Road 9, between Woodstock and Ingersoll.

In addition to signs, Oxford County Public Health will also be launching a public education campaign about motorists and cyclist, advertising via radio, television, newspaper and social media.

The signs are estimated to cost $5,000 and will come out of the operations budget under Public Works signage. The $5,000 does not include the cost of the public education campaign, which will be financed through public health.

Gross said that recommendations for future signs will come from the Oxford County Cycling Advisory Committee and will likely include various county roads that are deemed suitable or preferred for biking.

“This would be sort of our first phase of the implementation,” Gross said.

“I think it will encourage [cyclists]. It educates motorists to recognize that cyclists use the roads and to make it safer.”

codi.wilson@sunmedia.ca

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