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Replacing sidewalks a good use of Red Deer tax dollars

I disagree that the replacement of existing sidewalks along 32nd Street and 40th Avenue are “more wasted city tax dollars.”

I disagree that the replacement of existing sidewalks along 32nd Street and 40th Avenue are “more wasted city tax dollars.”

These travel corridors are seeing more use by pedestrians, runners, rollerbladers, skateboarders and cyclists.

As a commuting cyclist who rode these sidewalks daily, I can attest to the fact that they were narrow and often I would ride off the sidewalk onto the boulevard to give pedestrians more room or to avoid alarming them.

The expansion joints between the concrete sidewalk slabs also made for a rough ride.

The new multi-use trails accommodate a wider range of uses more safely.

I also disagree with the statement that “sidewalks are in use moderately for about two and a half to three months a year at most, like bike lanes.”

Like many people in Red Deer, I use the sidewalks all year.

I would bike to work from mid-March or so to late October, and walk the rest of the year.

I see many other people walking at all times of the year. I use these alternatives to driving even more now.

The city provides and maintains infrastructure for all residents.

Why shouldn’t they promote alternative travel to help reduce traffic pressures from an ever-increasing number of vehicles on the roads?

I suggest we all benefit from having less vehicles on the road and more people out walking, cycling and enjoying the multi-use trails, recreation trails and bike lanes.

Bill Franz

Red Deer