GuelphToday received the following letter to the editor from reader Sandy Isaacs in response to our story Call renewed to connect G2G rail trail to Downtown Guelph.
I am writing to follow up on the article posted on GuelphToday July 10th by Mark Pare.
We are a group of retired women and just completed the GtoG (Guelph to Goderich) Trail this past Friday using 3 e-bikes and one regular bike. We did it twice! – there and back - and can tell you it’s a beautiful experience if you plan right and are prepared for a few rough detours, particularly on the other side of Blyth.
However, that Silvercreek Rd is no picnic either. We left for Goderich on an early morning Sunday when traffic on Silvercreek was manageable, but on the trip back, before noon Friday, it was really tense.
Cars (and trucks) were busy both ways. Most of the way there was no safe shoulder to move onto when cars passed. With both lanes occupied, vehicles themselves couldn’t pull over to the left to give a safe distance when passing us. None of the cars slowed down. And, of course, no bike lane.
Silvercreek Road has two lanes, one in each direction, mostly gravel on either side and with inclines and hills that give poor visibility to on coming traffic. Vehicles often speed up past the 80km limit before cyclists can come off near Marden Rd to connect to the true GtoG rail trail.
This road is the only way to get to the head of the rail trail from Guelph unless you have a vehicle that can take your bikes and gear to a limited parking place near the start.
If people are coming from the direction of Goderich, they are all faced with having to take Silvercreek Rd down into Guelph proper. In contrast, at the other end going into Goderich the trail is glorious, with beautiful bridges, and views of green fields cascading down a river valley, ending at a boardwalk by the sandy beaches of Lake Huron.
There are opportunities for individuals to donate to improve the GtoG trail. Most local communities have taken on the responsibility of maintaining the trail in their area.
The City of Guelph itself could do more to improve what could be the best form of cycling enjoyment for people of all ages living in and visiting our city.
As older adults, e-bikes are great for keeping us active. Finding trails to use them safely is just as important.
Sandy Isaacs
