Re: New Red Deer bike lanes:
Yes there is a survey page where you can check off the boxes giving your opinion about the new bike lanes.
However, I think it’s important to make opinions open for all to read, so here goes.
We live in a city which is blessed with miles and miles of what we call “bike paths.”
Now the city has painted specific lanes for cyclists along major city roads. 40th street for example. So now the two lane road is reduced to one, and there are left-turn lights also.
So, I have to ask, where is the data? Did anyone stand at the corner of 32nd and 40th and count the number of bicycles using the road? And then compare it with the traffic?
I don’t think so.
This is more likely the brainchild of a cyclist on city council who wants to earn a few votes.
I believe that this will cause accidents as drivers will become impatient and cyclists will feel empowered, as our pedestrians do now, to ride along without a care for looking around.
Cyclists have always felt enabled to use the roads and also the sidewalks without discretion, this will only lead to problems.
And what happens in the winter? Will these lanes remain solely for bicycles? When the road is covered in ice and snow? When we can’t see the new lane markings?
Wait until school starts and see the congestion along 40th Avenue and you will see how ridiculous the scheme is.
Yours sensibly,
David Mathias
Red Deer