Cyclists Urge Grey County to Prioritize Road Safety Between Owen Sound and East Linton
Residents ask County to move up timeline on Grey Road 1 improvements currently scheduled for 2030.
Concerned residents are calling on Grey County to accelerate road safety improvements on Grey Road 1, between Owen Sound and East Linton, citing dangerous conditions for both cyclists and motorists.
At a packed Grey County Council meeting this morning, Owen Sound residents Lloyd Lewis and Fred Scheel delivered a joint deputation, highlighting urgent safety concerns on this stretch of road.
“We can’t wait six years for repairs. In the meantime, someone is going to die as it’s currently dangerous,” Lewis said during the presentation.
Community Support Adds Weight to Deputation
The council chambers were filled with approximately 70 supporters, standing-room-only, all of whom stood to show solidarity during the presentation. “I’m very grateful for their attendance, giving our presentation added gravitas,” Lewis said in an email to Owen Sound Current.
Using visuals and data, the presenters outlined several key issues:
Deteriorating road conditions: Crumbling asphalt forces cyclists to veer dangerously close to passing vehicles.
Lack of hard shoulders: There is no safe separation between cyclists and traffic, violating the minimum three-foot safety guideline.
Blind spots: Four road bends create visibility challenges, making it difficult for motorists to pass safely.
High traffic volume: On November 7, Lewis personally recorded 408 vehicles passing along a section of Grey Road 1 in just 30 minutes. Of these, 33% were wide vehicles such as trucks, buses, and cargo vans.
“Cycling just one kilometre at that time means navigating around 30 vehicles passing you, with 18 coming from the opposite direction—a very dangerous situation,” Lewis explained.
County’s Responsibility and Tourism Promotion
The deputation also noted that Grey Road 1 is part of the County’s Scenic Island Cycle Loop, which is advertised as a tourism attraction. “If you promote, then the County is responsible for making it safe,” Lewis warned. “Otherwise, when a tragedy happens, you can expect a lawsuit.”
The road’s improvement timeline has been delayed from 2027 to 2030 as part of Grey County’s 10-year infrastructure plan. Lewis and Scheel urged county council to reprioritize this project, emphasizing the County’s Climate Change Action Plan, which promotes active transportation.
Official Response and Next Steps
Pat Hoy, Grey County’s Director of County Roads, addressed the concerns following the deputation. He defended the current timeline, explaining that the 10-year plan is reviewed annually, allowing for potential adjustments.
Lewis remains hopeful that council will take immediate action. “At the next Grey County meeting, we’re hoping a motion will be passed requesting staff re-evaluate the issues on Grey Road 1 and bring this project date significantly forward,” he said.
The safety of cyclists and motorists remains a pressing concern as the community awaits further developments, he said.
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It was a well-researched presentation and it was great to see the large turnout.