Dear editor,
Recent comments regarding the number and frequency of bike lane sign placements in Comox has led to a couple of letters commending the Comox mayor and council on being proactive regarding bicyclists.
Missing the point entirely, they proceed to lament the treatment bikes have been given in the past and look forward to even more acceptance in the future.
As one who has brought attention to the large number of no-parking signs and bike lane signs, please allow me to categorically state that I am pleased as punch to have my tax dollars creating bike lanes, bike safety and bike awareness.
I can think of far worse or more frivolous things they could be spending our collective dollars on and am thankful they don't.
No, the concern isn't bike lanes or bike acceptance, it is the sheer number of signs. If you go east on Comox Avenue and turn south on Rodello and then east onto Beaufort and are able to pause a moment, there is a spot there that has you surrounded by 11 signs.
No-parking and bike lane signs. Some are facing away from you but there are 11.
Proceed down the road a bit and there are areas in which you can see a painted on the roadway bike lane sign out both your windshield and rear view mirror at the same time as you have metal bike lane signs on the roadside. As well as the no-parking signs that seem to multiply as fast as our deer.
It is visual clutter that you simply do not see in other communities. They have cyclists too, I expect.
I expect signage and the general motoring public does, too. What my complaint is all about is the number of signs. Period.
The signs that welcome you into Comox — the ones that say "Expect deer on our roads" will need an update soon.
"Expect deer, no parking and bike lane signs on our roads."
Glenn Countryman,
Comox