Bicyclists don’t have the right to just take

DEAR EDITOR:

Re: “Cycling suggestions see too unrealistic,” (Herald letters, Aug. 3).

My credentials for speaking on the issue of bicycling and driving have been questioned by Patrick Longworth.

I bicycled and even motorcycled at times on Vancouver streets for between 15 and 20 years. I was an avid cyclist and bicycled daily; Vancouver weather permitting. I have had a driver’s license for 62 years; driving cars and trucks necessary to conduct business in all kinds of weather on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland as far as Chilliwack.

So, I think I am qualified to speak on this issue. If the taxpayers are expected to spend up to $32 million to provide roadways for bicycles then they are entitled to expect rules and regulations that protect pedestrians intersecting with all roadway traffic; that includes bicyclists.

The Human Rights Tribunal agreed when they brought down a ruling forcing the installation of audible traffic signals at all floating bus stops.

Protecting pedestrians at these floating bus stops promises to be an enormous cost to the taxpayers as more bicycle roadways are completed as need arises.

Taxpayers should not be expected to spend millions providing audible stop signals at floating bus stops because blissful bicyclists endangering pedestrians do not understand the simple elements of courtesy to others.

Whether you personally are courteous or not is immaterial. The rule breakers are not.

Of course, as you say there are rule breakers in vehicle drivers as well as bicyclists and errors in judgment. That only increases the need for licensing and insurance to protect the injured party. A license plate is an easy way to identify bicyclists; motorists do it: So do motorcyclists,

We need city licensing for all bikes on an annual basis at a minimum of $100 a bike; partially to allay taxpayer costs for these newly-constructed roadways.

Insurance costs would only be a fraction of the costs of a motorist. Proof of insurance should be required before issuing a City license plate.

If bicyclists want roadways specifically built for them, then taxpayers have a right to expect regulations regarding road use and transportation the same as vehicle drivers.

Bicyclists do not have the right to just take; they need to be subject to the same rules as are other roadway users.

We need regulations to protect pedestrians and a means of identifying errant bicyclists who harm others with irresponsible actions: Whether its lack of common sense or arrogant abuse of the rights of others.

Elvena Slump Penticton