A debate surrounding the future of Charlottetown's Perimeter Highway and Riverside Drive as a place to cycle (or not, in this case) has come to a boil this week as the province has announced its redevelopment plans for the transportation artery. The plan expresses a desire to prohibit cyclists from the highway, which has come under attack from various parties.

I actually agree with the position of the Province of discouraging the use of bicycles on the perimeter highway. I think the more effective solution would be to create a cycling corridor that runs from West to East from Beach Grove, through UPEI, Sherwood and Hillsborough to the QEH:

See map: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3500034

Utilizing existing trails:
- gravel path along Hermitage Pond from Beach Grove Road to Brown's Court (almost)
- intersection with existing Rails to Trails path behind UPEI, existing dirt path to Mt Edward Road

Not shown on map: a small branch to connect Stonepark school

Obviously this would be a less direct route than if you cycled the perimeter highway. My experience in Montreal has been that it doesn't really matter if the bike paths are a bit convoluted, which this path would be to a certain degree. When you know where a path is going, it's easy to overlook a few extra twists and turns. Pavement markings and a bit of signage goes a very long way, and a few removable bollards separating cycling lanes from traffic lanes on narrower streets add to the sense of security when cycling on the road. Compared to cycling on a highway shoulder with the dust, noise, exhaust and danger, it's far preferable, even if it takes you a bit out of your way.

In this case, we have the opportunity to connect a senior high school, a university, an intermediate school, a primary school, numerous city parks, a hospital and many core residential areas of Charlottetown within a 10km path primarily on existing asphalt. More landmarks like these make more stakeholders and more potential users. A cycling path on or adjacent to the perimeter highway would not have such proximity to all these landmarks, nor would it be suitable for anyone but experienced (and willing) adult riders.