Dear editor,The pedestrian bridge is a transportation issue.I’ve heard a few comments about the pedestrian bridge indicating that it is some how ‘fluff’ that we can’t afford right now. This is clearly the opinion of those who use car transportation exclusively. Walking and cycling are efficient transportation strategies that provide exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. All three of which have been show to help maintain health and vitality as we age. Electric scooter and wheelchair users also benefit.Safe, attractive pedestrian transportation routes are the surest way to encourage people who would rather not be driving be out of the way of people who like to drive. I am sure that anyone who drives professionally would rather have less cars on the roads. Its a win-win. Everyone is safer and happier.A pedestrian bridge would open up the whole Sixth Street corridor connecting Lewis Park, the air park, the library, art gallery, and all of downtown.Sixth Street opens out onto Cumberland Road. It wouldn’t take much to create a parallel corridor all the way to the tourist info centre. An overpass into Cumberland would give us a strong artery of non-motorized transportation, which we can continue to build and expand.Surely this is a very good thing all the way around — for downtown businesses, for anyone who drives for work or business, and for those who like to drive. There is no downside to building non-motorized transportation routes. Less traffic on the roads, less exhaust pollution in town, more access to downtown and to recreational venues, healthier population that make fewer demands on health services, greater long term independence for seniors.A pedestrian bridge would put a healthy dose of ‘eco’ into  the valley’s ‘economy’ and not just because it’s beautiful.Elaine Codling,Comox Valley

Comox Valley Record