What can I say, I love to bike… always have, always will. Whether you are a long-time visitor of Tobermory, cottage owner or a local, you have undoubtedly seen me on my bike. I have been cycling the roads around Tobermory for 4 decades. It started with racing my brother to the Turtle Pond, then to my first job at the Coach House and eventually rides into town to meet up with friends or to work at the Harbour or National Park. While I have used Hwy 6 for many years for my cycling commute, I have also logged thousands of kilometers on it for fitness training. When it comes to a cyclist’s perspective on Hwy 6, I believe that I could be considered by most as an expert on the subject.
That said, I would like to share my perspective on the state of Hwy 6 for cycling. In a word, TERRIBLE. The bike lane installed just a few years ago is in an absolute terrible state. Regardless of your speed or tire pressure, riding on the bike lane is a bumpy, jarring and uncomfortable experience.
A couple of summers ago during a ride, I was confronted by a self-identified member of council who was upset that I was cycling on the road. This person questioned why I chose to ride on the road surface instead of in the dedicated bike lane that had been provided at great expense. After an engaged conservation, I was able to open this person’s eyes to the truth… the bike lane is riddled with cracks, holes and is badly crumbling away at the edges for a majority of the bike lane from Dyers Bay corner to Tobermory.
Interestingly, when you reach Maple Golf estates, the paved shoulder is in fantastic shape despite being paved years prior. As I ride along Hwy 6, I often wonder why the newer bike lane is deteriorating that much quicker.
Was a different pavement used to save costs? Was it installed correctly? Does salting/plowing accelerate the break-up of the edge?
I don’t know what kind of warranty exists on road surfaces but if the current condition of the bike lane was due to poor installation, the company responsible owes the residents and visitors of Northern Bruce a solid discount on a re-do. On a recent ride, I noticed a couple of patches around Crane River/Johnsons Harbour and the section between Cyprus and Dorcas Bay where the bike lane had been fixed… so clearly the problem has been recognized and addressed in spots. There are many other areas that need help and I would encourage continued rehabilitation of the bike lane.
The next time you are out and about, take a look at the bike lane and you will see what I mean. Until it has been addressed you will find me hovering over that white line. So, if you see me on the road, please slow down, give me space, give me a wave if you like and have a great day in Tobermory!
Jason Desormeaux
