To the Editor,
Re: Bike lanes unsafe, confusing, Letters, Aug. 11.
I live up near Woodgrove Centre and had an appointment in the Quarterway area. On the bicycle it has always been a little awkward after leaving the E&N Trail negotiating the notorious intersection at the old Island Highway and Northfield Road. But what a revelation, once I turned onto Boundary Avenue I found myself cycling a brand-new, dedicated cycle lane. This is a busy corridor what with the hospital and the medical offices.
Congratulations Nanaimo, you are entering the 21st century when we will all have to look for more sustainable modes of transportation whenever we can.
Paul GlassenNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Bike lanes unsafe, confusing, Letters, Aug. 11.
I depend on my bicycle to get around Nanaimo so I was delighted to see the new separated bike lane on Boundary Avenue. I frequently cycle that route to reach the E&N Trail after riding through Bowen Park. The bike lane makes it so much easier to negotiate that section of the city.
This is a welcome addition to Nanaimo’s bicycle infrastructure, Kudos to all involved in this effort to make it safer to cycle in Nanaimo, and perhaps help some folks realize that there are alternatives to the automobile.
Keith GauntNanaimo
To the Editor,
At last the city is showing some initiative in carrying out the initial stages of the transportation master plan. Cyclists are now seeing dedicated bike lanes in many parts of Nanaimo.
One of the newest of these is on Boundary Avenue and takes a leaf from similar lanes in other progressive cities, with the bike lane at times flowing between the curb and a lane for parked cars. Once any cars turning into the staff parking by the emergency access realize that bicyclists have the right of way, this bike lane should provide cyclists with safe passage along Boundary. Perhaps painting the bike lane green to clarify the right of way might be a good idea.
Can’t wait to see where the next series of bike lanes appear.
Peter McCafferyNanaimo Velodrome Association
To the Editor,
Re: Bike lanes unsafe, confusing, Letters, Aug. 11.
I too must add my voice to all the objections concerning the bike lanes and little islands which are appearing on Boundary and Townsite. Would someone please explain to me how they consider it safe to have a bike lane which must be crossed by a vehicle in order to make a right-hand turn. What if the cyclist is in a blind spot, or is taking a chance by trying to beat the vehicle before said vehicle turns right? I do not like this system at all as I feel it is an accident just waiting to happen.
I also feel that if special lanes are going to be made for cyclists, then surely they should have to pay some sort of a fee. Motorists and motorcyclists have to pay insurance and carry licence plates, why not cyclists also?
I also find the new parking spots on Boundary Avenue to be extremely dangerous. At first glance, it looks like traffic is waiting for the light to change; it takes a few seconds to realize these cars are parked.
If all this is the best our city engineers can come up with, I am not very impressed.
Diana WalkerNanaimo
