I’m writing this as a daily user of 40th Avenue. It would be hard for anyone using this roadway, cyclist or automobile driver, to deny that the bike lane pilot project is a dismal failure.
Presently the bike lanes are unable to be seen and are covered in ice and snow. Drivers cannot see the recently painted lines that weave back and forth under the ice/snow covering. This creates a very confusing and dangerous situation when people are on their own as to what lines to follow.
What they end up following are the gouges left in the asphalt from the removal of the dotted lane dividers. Thus we are back to two lanes of traffic in both directions. These same gouges will no doubt end up becoming growing potholes as they are the perfect design for holding water on warm days that turns to ice when frozen. This freezing cycle will weaken the asphalt and now we have to spend even more of our tax money to now repair the roads.
Whatever the city has spent to undertake this shortsighted pilot bike lane project so far, I’m afraid to think how much more will be required in the future. I can only hope that common sense prevails and the pilot project is allowed to die quickly and quietly as soon as spring comes along.
Somehow, common sense is not that common these days.
Gerald Scatterty
Red Deer