McLaughlin Road North in Caledon is part of Canada`s Great Trail System, plus also being terra firma for the Credit Valley Trail. These 2 trails are also noted conduits to 5 other interconnected trail systems. This simple fact is an invaluable asset to the village, the region and the province. Making this section of interchangeable roadway safe for all to traverse has & remains a 20 year goal of core pool of dedicated residents.
Numerous studies continue to highlight that access to safe bi-pedal corridors makes not only for a healthier but wealthier community. Traffic calming normally equates to an immediate .05% increase in property values. The fiscal opportunity is there for the taking by simply persuading town officials to repositioning the speed limit signs further north of the village by approx. 150 yards. Widening the shoulder or creating a separate but adjacent pathway (original concept) can be discussable issues for a future date. Let us use the tools (signs) at hand and take an affirmative step in slowing traffic entering the north end of the village.
Yet despite several large posted signs advocating sharing the roads but some drivers continue to blatantly barrel past cyclists, equestrians, mothers with prams and other hikers at speeds far greater than those past on Highway 10. Just stand at the community centre , hospice or McColl drive & witness first hand the number of people pounding on the brake lights as they hit the posted 40 KM sign. It takes almost 1/2 the drivers the full length of the hill till the stop sign at west Village drive to yield to the posted limit. Now that the community centre has an attractive very functional play ground would it not seem prudent to slow the traffic some distance up the road instead of almost right in front of the old school ? Moving a few signs north 150 yards may not solve the safety issue in it`s entirety but it is a formidable step in the right direction.
