To the editor:
I support safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. I personally fall into all three categories, as do many of us. We all want to be safe and I think a city that features bike lanes gives the message that they care about cyclists, that they are committed to helping citizens reduce their reliance on cars, and that they want people to be safe on the roads.
If the city wants to improve public safety, they should consider investing more money in improving the current bike lane system so that it is less confusing, not scrapping it. Thunder Bay has worked long and hard to get to the present state of having bike lanes at all. It would be a mistake to give up rather than considering how to improve the system.
Consider if the city were to create a couple of designated bike lanes along main arteries to offer people a real option in terms of transportation.
Designated bike lanes are clearly separated from both pedestrians and vehicles by physical barriers and feature clear markings to help manage traffic. Then everyone could be safe -- pedestrians, cyclists, people using wheelchairs, and drivers. I would consider this a wise use of taxpayer dollars and will be voting for municipal leaders who can be visionary in creating public spaces where we can all be safe.
Cathy Farrell,
Thunder Bay
