With the heart of vacation season here and a three-day road bicycle event approaching, drivers should be particularly aware of cyclists on our roadways, said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Robert Vessey.
“Visitors are exploring our province by bicycle, and it’s important to remember that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on our roadways as motorists,” Minister Vessey said. “Drivers should slow down when encountering cyclists, use care and allow plenty of room when passing them, and be aware of their location at all times.”
Staying alert for cyclists will be especially critical when Cycling PEI’s first-ever Gran Fondo riding event brings more than 200 cyclists to Island roads from August 23 to 25. Riders will travel routes ranging from 57 km to 145 km that begin and end in Charlottetown.
“A great deal of planning and cooperation has gone into making this event as safe as possible,” said Mark Carr-Rollitt, Gran Fondo PEI event manager. “Driver awareness is essential, but cyclists will do their part by making sure they are visible with brightly coloured clothing, reflectors and lights on their bikes, and by riding responsibly and in groups whenever possible.
Under the province’s Highway Traffic Act, cyclists traveling on roadways must wear an approved safety helmet, avoid riding next to any other cyclist, keep both hands on the handlebars, and other specifics. For more on cycling safety, visit www.gov.pe.ca/bicyclesafety (click on “Safety”).
Backgrounder – Gran Fondo PEI route information
Gran Fondo PEI will occur on Island roadways from August 23 to 25. Cyclists will travel routes of 57 to 145 km that begin and end in Charlottetown.
Friday, August 23 – Riders will travel in small groups on a 58 km ride to Cornwall and on to Canoe Cove and back.
Saturday, August 24 – The weekend’s main ride will take cyclists on a 145.7 km loop out of Charlottetown along the Lower Malpeque Road to Hunter River, New Glasgow, Stanley Bridge, Cavendish, North Rustico, Prince Edward Island National Park Brackley, Grand Tracadie, Mount Stewart, and Stratford across the Hillsborough Bridge.
• Road closures: From 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on August 24, there will be rolling closures of Queen Street, Belvedere Avenue, North River Road, and Lower Malpeque Road to assist cyclists as they leave Charlottetown. From noon to 4 p.m., one lane of the Hillsborough Bridge and Water Street will be closed to assist riders as they return to Charlottetown.
• Lead and support vehicles will accompany participants throughout the ride, and signs as well as personnel from the Charlottetown Police, RCMP, and Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will help direct motorists.
Sunday, August 25 – Riders will travel 58 km to Stratford on to China Point and back.
For more information including a complete route map, visit www.granfondo-pei.ca or contact Mark Carr-Rollitt at 902-629-5798.