Dear editor,
Thank you to Jon Ambler for his comment quoted in the paper regarding his support for a bike lane on Fitzgerald.
Here is a chance for council to do something to support cycling for very little cost.
I have just returned from England, where they are doing a lot to support cycling.
There are bike lanes all over the place, and while some of these I personally would be scared to cycle on (e.g. in the middle of London!) the overall result is to make people more aware of cyclists, to gradually change the mind set of people so that cycling becomes more acceptable and accepted.
Yesterday on CBC there was someone from Copenhagen talking about how more cyclists on the road eventually makes the roads better for everyone, including the people who do need to drive. It all seems to make sense — but we need some action.
There has been a bike lane on Noel Avenue for years that has worked well, even with parking on the street. There just has to be enough room so that if someone does open their door the cyclist will not be hit.
In the general scheme of things Fitzgerald is not busy (try cycling in the middle of London!) and is a convenient route for getting through town — including to schools, malls, etc. A confident cyclist in a hurry will tend to use Cliffe, which is way busier. Piercy just wouldn't be an alternative for many journeys.
Courtenay councillors — you can do this! Buy the paint — and make sure the bike lane is really well-marked — make people aware of cyclists — this is a good first step.
Comox has already taken the lead — look at what they have done on Comox Road and Noel Avenue.
Democracy is good but if we have to debate every little issue to death, nothing will get done!
Sue Bloxsome,
Courtenay