News

SIMCOE, SEPTEMBER 18th, 2017 – Members of Norfolk Pathways for People are inviting the public to join them for a walk in Long Point on Sunday, September 24, 2017.

“Every year we celebrate Trail Day in Norfolk on the last Sunday in September,” says Gord Mason, chair of Norfolk Pathways for People. “This year’s destination will highlight the new shared pathway along Erie Blvd. in Long Point.”

Earlier this year, Norfolk County’s Public Works Division completed reconstruction of Erie Blvd. in Long Point. The project included a separated shared pathway, dedicated for walking and cycling, that stretches from the west end of Erie Blvd. to Pike Lane. The two-way traffic shared pathway ends at Pike Lane and the rest of Erie Blvd. features paved shoulders on both sides of the road, all the way east to the provincial park.

“The shared pathway is a significant piece of infrastructure that supports safer active transportation for residents and visitors to this very popular summer destination,” says Michele Crowley, health promoter with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. “Adding a reduced speed limit of 40km/hr throughout the summer months and Long Point becomes a lot safer for everyone.”

The Erie Blvd. enhancement is the first of many active transportation infrastructure projects slated for Norfolk County, thanks to the new Active Transportation Strategy, endorsed by Norfolk County Council in late 2016. Paved shoulders, additional “Share the Road” signage and dedicated bike lanes are just a few projects on the horizon that will enhance the cycling experience and improve safety for all road users.

Norfolk Pathways for People hosts two trail events each year to introduce the public to the extensive trail system the county is so proud of. The coalition’s mission is to promote pathways for walking and cycling in Norfolk County for health, recreation and active transportation.

“Our coalition does a lot of behind the scenes advocacy work to support improvements to Norfolk County’s trails and roadways that allow for safer walking and cycling for all ages and abilities,” said Mason. “These trail events allow us to connect with the public to talk about our other activities.”

All interested walkers are asked to meet at the parking lot at the northwest corner of Erie Blvd. and Pike Lane for a 2 p.m. start. See you Sunday, September 24th. We will be walking rain or shine.

For more information, contact Michele Crowley at the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit at 519-426-6170 Ext. 3239 or at [email protected] or visit www.norfolkpathways.ca and like us on Facebook.

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Media contact:

Michele Crowley
Health Promoter, Community Health Team
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
Ext. 3239 at either 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623
[email protected]