Let’s curb fixing what isn’t broken

Re: “Extended curbs come with risks” (Letters, Oct. 10)

The letter-writer outlines the downsides of curb extensions, which, like their first cousins, the ever-endearing speed bumps, are multiplying like rabbits in N.D.G.

However, he omitted to mention that curb extensions push cyclists (and skateboarders) into the paths of cars as they travel.

It is one thing to see a cyclist ahead, pulling into the single lane at a curb extension; it is another to have a cyclist, coming from behind and at a pace faster than the prevailing car traffic, pull into the lane only feet in front your car, as recently happened, twice, on Monkland Ave.

Given the cyclists’ speed and obliviousness to the potential mayhem they were causing, it was apparent they were banking on their exalted status and divine intervention to protect them. But that won’t always work.

It seems we are seeing just another quick fix, the preferred method of action in politics to an imagined problem or to suit the wants of special interest groups that look through blinders at issues and do not see the real and unintended consequences of their actions.

Given my experiences and echoing Norman Sabin’s comments, I’m convinced curb extensions do more harm than good.

Mark Lipson, N.D.G.