To the editor,
Re: VIU students upset about lack of parking, Sept. 28.
Perhaps the next VIU petition could be focused on getting people out of their cars and onto bicycles. The university itself could certainly do its part, by working with the city to create cycle paths up along Fourth and Fifth Streets; creating more covered bicycle parking on campus; and launching a campaign to work with the student union to encourage cycling.
- RELATED: Petition launched over lack of parking at VIU
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR: More parking isn’t the answer
Take a look at an aerial view of VIU: parking areas are a significant chunk of the university land. Why not plan to transform these unproductive asphalt areas into science labs, classrooms, increased library space, people places, natural areas, and generally more productive educational space?
Unless commuters to VIU are coming from a different city, are physically disabled, or are transporting materials not able to fit into bike bags, they ought to seriously consider riding a bicycle. Cycling would: reduce their costs; reduce their carbon footprint; increase their physical well-being; and give them a sense of personal power and control instead of feeling like victims of the university’s ‘lack of parking.’
That the News Bulletin article does not once mention bicycles (or even buses), as wise, practical and obvious alternatives to the issue, is frankly flabbergasting. This issue would make an apt example of irony for students taking first year philosophy or English courses.
According to VIU’s director of facilities services, the university’s master plan has been updated; let’s hope that the plan includes cycle paths and facilities for cyclists. Now that would be something worth starting a petition about.
Graham Shuley, Nanaimo
