The Editor, Re: "Asphalt isn't green," Letters, July 31.
I want to reply to the NIMBYs who are upset about the bike path being constructed as the last part of the Railway Greenway trail, directly behind the Railway Community Gardens.
I would first like to remind them that their "backyard" really belongs to all of the citizens of Richmond - not just the few that are fortunate enough to use public lands to grow food.
I think it is wonderful that the city has many of these gardens in Richmond, but once the people start using them, they do not become their property.
I am 65 years old and since this greenway has been built, I now go to Steveston on my bike rather than drive. I also have noticed that very quickly families are now using the greenway with their children. That can only be a good thing. You can now ride your bike from Westminster Highway to the boardwalk in
Steveston (except for the gravel part that is left, which the NIMBYs have claimed as their own) in a safe environment for all Richmond citizens.
This greenway construction was not a surprise and did not happen at the last minute. If the NIMBYs had read the local newspapers over the past year, the greenway was mentioned many times with the route clearly marked.
The city has made a great effort to get people out of their cars and on bikes, but the NIMBYs do not see the big picture.
They only want to protect their piece of turf that belongs to all of the citizens of Richmond.
I am also very disappointed that city hall rolled over so quickly on this issue, especially Coun. Harold Steves.
I hope city hall changes their mind and paves this last section so that all of the citizens of Richmond and their families can ride safely on the whole path.
Ken Schultz
Richmond
