Dear Editor,
Re: “Hedges still hiding danger for cyclists,” Saddle Up, Nov. 22.
As Geordie McGillvray points out, there is often a disconnect between perceived and actual safety when cycling on separated pathways. While we agree that improvements to the Westminster Hwy. pathway between No. 6 and No. 8 roads are needed, to suggest that the city should direct people riding bikes to choose the roadway, rather than improve the separated pathway is missing the root cause of the problem: Neglecting to upgrade poor, existing cycling infrastructure to accommodate riders of all ages and abilities (AAA).
Thanks to the City of Richmond, trails such as the Railway Greenway have been constructed with improved visibility at intersections through the use of green painted crosswalks and clearer signage. In the future, providing separate space between people cycling and walking on mixed-use pathways is also preferred. Further safety improvements would involve separately phased turn signals for right and left-turning vehicles and people crossing the street, as seen on the Hornby Street protected bike lane in Vancouver.
In order for everyone to feel safe cycling in Richmond, HUB Cycling advocates for a connected AAA cycling network that meets the needs of all people interested in cycling, rather than only confident, higher-speed, road-oriented “cyclists.” Richmond has an incredible opportunity to increase transport and recreational cycling; this begins with inclusive infrastructure such as protected bike lanes, reduced speed limits to 30 km/hr on residential streets, and other traffic calming measures. Road safety education for all road users is equally important in these efforts. The number of deaths from people cycling on Richmond roads in recent years is a sign that safer, more inclusive roads are needed. The HUB Cycling - Richmond / YVR Local Committee meets monthly to discuss these matters and other cycling related issues, and to advocate for improvements in the City of Richmond.
Andrew Picard
HUB Cycling-
Richmond/ YVR Local Committee
