Re: Safe cycling paths through the gravel pit
I have been cycling through the gravel pit for the past 12 years. Many times, as I descended the hill on Metchosin Road, I have been slammed by the high winds we often experience in this area.
Colwood knows about those winds, having posted a prominent sign at the top of that hill warning us that trucks might tip over in the wind.
Well, what about the poor cyclists?
It is a very dangerous area and it was with relief that I saw a couple of weeks ago that the road was being reconfigured to allow for safer cycling.
‘Finally!’ I thought.
Well, think again. Now it appears that there will not be a proper bike path. Really?’ Seriously? Cyclists still must share the road with those big trucks lumbering through, especially on the downhill side of the road, when both cyclists and vehicles pick up speed.
Cyclists can easily lose control, so it is imperative that there be adequate space for cyclists. At least now there is a little more space, but why is there no line painted to provide at least a visual barrier between vulnerable cyclists and vehicles?
Now that the new high school has opened and the gravel pit will soon be filling with houses, we hope there will be increasing numbers of people – students, teachers, support staff, residents – who will be cycling to school/work.
It’s good for us to exercise and Colwood councillors know this. But we need safe bike lanes.
Eileen O’Donnell
Metchosin