A segment of a significant bike path in Greater Victoria will be closed until 2027. Users of the Galloping Goose trail in Victoria will need to take alternate routes until at least the spring, as announced by officials. Starting on September 23, the closure will stretch from Viaduct Park to Dupplin Road, necessitating route adjustments for cyclists and pedestrians.
Genevieve Tokgoz, the Capital Regional District’s transportation manager, mentioned that they plan to widen the Galloping Goose to 6.5 meters. This expansion aims to provide separate spaces for pedestrians and cyclists along the new trail, enhancing user safety and comfort. The regional district will also introduce lighting and accessibility improvements to enhance the trail experience.
To facilitate the detour, cyclists and pedestrians will now follow different routes instead of using Cecilia Road. Detailed detour information can be accessed on the regional district’s website. The Galloping Goose Trail has seen a significant influx of visitors this year, with over 3.6 million recorded by the Capital Regional District’s automated bike and pedestrian count data.
The ongoing closure is the initial phase of a three-part project planned over the next three years. Future phases will involve further widening of the trail, extending north past the Uptown Shopping Centre and concluding near Swan Lake in Saanich. Upgrades near Mackenzie Avenue will be a collaborative effort with the province as part of the Tillicum Overpass project.
As trail usage has evolved from recreation to a primary transportation mode, Tokgoz emphasized the growing popularity and user volume, leading to congestion and conflicts on the trail. Cyclist Gil Sarmiento expressed that while the detour may pose some challenges, he is hopeful that the improvements will justify the inconvenience.
The trail closures are essential to enhance the overall trail experience and accommodate the increasing number of users. The Galloping Goose Trail’s transformation reflects its transition from a leisure facility to a vital transportation artery for many individuals in the region.