11-09-2011 TJ article by April Cunningham
QUISPAMSIS – The Town of Quispamsis has erected 125 new road signs to promote safety and a more active lifestyle.
The signs, which cost a total of $29,000, include a big Q with the spokes of a bicycle wheel, and the words “shared route” or “trail” below.
Mayor Murray Driscoll said the signs are part of the town’s broader active transportation plan, which will eventually include the installation of more trails and bike lanes.
“We want to let people know that the road is used by people that jog, cycle, drive and walk. So what we’re trying to do, in promoting this active lifestyle, we want people to be out moving, and wellness is really the name of the game,” he said. “We want people to have healthy lifestyles.”
With cyclists, joggers and dog-walkers sharing the roads with motorists, Driscoll said it’s important to remind drivers to slow down.
“It’s all part of a plan of encouraging people to be moving and up and about,” he said, adding the town already encourages activity with the walking track at the qplex and free public skating at both the qplex and the Quispamsis Memorial Arena.
Pamphlets explaining the initiative were mailed out to residents, said Dana Purton Dickson, the town’s community services director, who also provided the cost figures.
The signs have been installed during the past week, she said.
There are a total of 75 signs on the roads and 50 trail signs, located where trails and streets meet.
The next part of the active transportation plan will include road markings to make drivers aware of shared-use routes.
The markings, which the town calls “sharrows” include an image of a bicycle with forward-pointing arrows above it.
Driscoll said active transportation is all part of making Quispamsis a desirable community to live.
“If you’re active we know your health is better. And wellness is better. So it’s our way of promoting and trying to encourage a lifestyle where people are kept moving,” he said.
