Dear editor,
Over the years I have witnessed the disappearance of bike lanes along Ryan Road as new developments (car dealerships, Home Depot, Costco) went in.
I am pleased to see, however, that the Ministry of Transportation included a bike lane in front of the newly constructed Thrifty Foods store.
I have also witnessed the disappearance of the bike lanes along Lerwick Road when the City of Courtenay redesigned and widened the road. It is very disappointing that the planners and engineers of the City of Courtenay neglected to incorporate a bike lane in both directions along Lerwick.
Instead of designing a street that would ensure the safety of all users, the City has focused on accommodating more drivers, and eliminated a very important bike lane.
As you know, Lerwick is a key north-south connector for people — drivers and cyclists — from Comox and East Courtenay residential areas. There are two elementary schools just off Lerwick, one high school right along Lerwick as well as North Island College at the intersection of Ryan and Lerwick roads.
This is a real hub of activity already and will be even more so when the hospital and other proposed developments in the area will be completed.
Safe cycling lanes along Lerwick, and other major roadways, will encourage more people to ride their bikes and keep the number of cars down. Bike lanes will make it safer for students to ride to school and cyclists to commute to work.
I commend the recent activity by the City of Comox for incorporating designated bike lanes and signage on their roadways. It alerts drivers to potential cyclists on the road and allows for a safe cycle lane or designated roadway for cyclists to use.
I urge the City of Courtenay planners and engineers, and those sitting on the City council, to incorporate a street policy that would have all people feel safe and welcome on our roadways.
C. Cybulski,
Courtenay
