Editor:
It appears that the humble sidewalk is in need of a defence (Valerie Pusey’s Nov. 20 letter, “Mystery sidewalk”). While I am no urban planner, I have noticed a distinct correlation between the existence of sidewalks and people walking on them. Pedestrians need a safe, separated space in which to walk in order to feel (and be) safe. While it is true that there is a sidewalk on the west side of North Road, there is no safe way to cross North Road – which generally sees vehicle traffic going well over the posted speed limit – from the east side to get to that oasis of pedestrian-specific pavement. Crossing between the lights at Highway 101 and Reed Road requires a nervy dash through gaps in traffic. With a sidewalk, the kids who go to Elphinstone and the spanking new Gibsons Elementary now have a safe place to walk on both sides of North Road, as do other residents who choose to leave the car at home.
Ms. Pusey does raise a good question, however: why isn’t the sidewalk extended all the way to Reed? That would serve a larger neighbourhood, and let’s hope it’s in the Town’s near-term plans.
So let’s not kvetch about the small expenditure of public funds to create a more walkable community; let’s celebrate it! Yes to the North Road sidewalk, and to many more to come! This is how we build livable, healthy communities: one small piece of cycling or pedestrian pavement at a time.
Tim Howard, president, Transportation Choices - Sunshine Coast (TraC)
