Submitted by: Michele Crowley, Health Promoter, Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit Michele.crowley@hnhu.org
The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and community coalition, Pathways for People, have recently partnered with the OPP and the Norfolk County Roads Department to bring Share the Road signs to the County.
This widely growing initiative was brought forward to Norfolk Council by a community member, representing Pathways for People. With letters of support from area cycling and running clubs, the request for County support was well received by Council.
A total of 25 signs were posted along Lakeshore Road 42, Front Road and Radical Road for the initial phase of the program. These road sections were identified as routes that bikers and joggers frequently use. “The population along the lakeshore expands during the summer months as cottage owners spend time in the area,” said Bill Cridland, Roads Manager with Norfolk County. “With increased people comes increased activity on our roadways. The lakeshore area is an obvious draw for outdoor enthusiasts and so putting the first signs there is a good fit.”
The Health Unit took the lead in promoting the message associated with these signs. With credit given to Haliburton County, an educational brochure was created. And borrowing from the Hamilton Cycling Committee, bumper magnets were also created to spread the word. The official launch with the Mayor made the front page of the local newspaper.
Haldimand County is currently working on bringing the project to their roadways. Stay tuned!
For more information on this project visit: www.norfolkpathways.ca and click on Share the Road. Come on down for a ride!