Re: Red Deer’s new bike lanes:
I would like to express my gratitude to our Red Deer city council for the tremendous leadership they have shown in making our community a healthier place with the installation of new bike lanes. Not all cities have the vision to see that what we want 10 years from now needs to start today.
This pilot project, although fully supported by council, was started by a group of community members who make up ReThink Red Deer. They were the ones that did all the leg work and research behind the scenes to bring a proposal forward.
As a cyclist, I welcome the bike lanes but I can understand the frustration of people who do not own bikes. There have been several opportunities for consultation over the last two years and the City of Red Deer is currently asking for input and feedback regarding the new bike lanes. I hope you will have your say and fill out the survey.
The reality is that there are always going to be growing pains when a change in our community is made. My feeling is that until it becomes inconvenient to drive your car or truck, you have no reason to change your habits. If we encourage a more active lifestyle and educate our community of the benefits of these choices, I am confident that in five years our children will be thanking us for doing what is best for them, their health and the community as a whole.
We need to create a community that promotes interaction with our neighbours; this is the best form of crime prevention.
Another area that Red Deer is leading the way in building communities is through their Community Garden Program. I am again grateful for the support they have shown in adding two new community gardens this year. Six neighbourhoods now have the ability to grow their own vegetables in the summer. The community building that has taken place because of these gardens has been a beautiful thing to see.
Keep up the good work council. I am proud to call Red Deer my home.
Beth Anthony
Lancaster Community Association
Red Deer