Editor:
I applaud Gibsons council for understanding that to encourage cycling they need to develop functional, convenient and desirable bike lanes. The decision to install bike lanes on both sides of Shaw Road as opposed to on just one side is a necessity for the route to be attractive to a wide range of cyclists. Yes, for skilled and confident cyclists, Shaw Road is already a relatively comfortable route, but the point is not to build bike lanes just for the small number of existing cyclists. Bike lanes are a key element for a cycling network to appeal to a broad range of residents. Cyclists generally want as much separation from vehicle traffic as possible. Improving conditions for cyclists and pedestrians is not a new objective. Attracting new cyclists is a goal of our Official Community Plan and of this council’s strategic plan. In fact, the Town of Gibsons has talked about building a functional bicycle network since 2001 when it adopted its first Cycling and Trails Master Plan.
There is no doubt that Shaw Road residents won’t have the abundance of on-street parking they once had. While this will inconvenience some, my hope is that residents in the Shaw Road area will try to benefit from the new lanes and give cycling a try. The lack of hills and proximity to schools and stores make this one of the easiest areas to reach many useful destinations without a vehicle. Let’s give it a chance.
Jody Schick, Gibsons
