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The Galloping Goose is a continuous linear corridor with treed buffers that allows walkers and cyclists to move around in a scenic, car-free environment. It is the position of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition (GVCC) that the Goose must remain a safe commuter route and recreational trail, that the trail not be moved from its current location, and that it's park-like character and continuity must be protected. We believe that this former railway corridor must be preserved intact.
A move to a two-way, road-side bike path along Sooke Road will introduce many new hazards, including numerous driveways, a crossing at Goldstream Avenue, and close proximity to fast moving car traffic. This will greatly reduce safety for trail users. The proposed changes would destroy the integrity of this important recreation and commuting resource and sets a dangerous precedent for others who desire to partition the trail for their own purposes.
Adopted at our Annual General Meeting in 1999 and reaffirmed since then, the GVCC membership continues to support a policy advocating for the construction of an overpass at the intersection of Sooke Road and Island Highway as the best way to provide a safe and efficient route for cyclists, pedestrians, and other trail users.
The Goose is a magnet for cycling. With a new overpass at Island Highway, it will become the key commuter route linking Westshore communities and the region. Like other parts of the network with grade separations, it will be used by thousands daily.
The GVCC and its members look forward to continuing to work with cyclists, government, and other community groups to improve cycling infrastructure in the region, and to helping implement a solution that will preserve the Regional Trail Corridor for the benefit of cyclists and other trail users, while maintaining a natural asset for all residents of Colwood and the Capital Regional District to enjoy.
It's important that your voice in support of protecting the integrity of the trail is heard.
The CRD has planned a series of community engagement sessions on the Regional Parks Strategic Plan during the month of May. The plan covers outdoor recreation, regional parks, and regional trails, including the Galloping Goose Trail.
For more information on the process, and dates of other the consultation sessions visit http://crd.bc.ca/parks/planning/strategicplan.htm
If you will be unable to attend in person, click here to submit your comments online
The Capital Bike and Walk Society has information about the proposal on their website at http://capitalbikeandwalk.org. As well there is a Facebook group advocating the preservation of the trail HERE
You can write to:
Province of BC
Hon. Shirley Bond
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
PO Box 9055, Stn Provincial Government
Victoria, BC V8W 9E2
You can also contact your local MLA here
The Capital Regional District (Parks Committee and Board)
Mayor Christopher Causton (Oak Bay)
Chair, Regional Parks Committee
PO Box 100
Victoria, BC
V8W 2S6
Click here to contact CRD parks online
Colwood City Council
Click here for contact information
The CRD board is made up of mayors and council members from across the region. You can
click here to find your representatives.
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