Bike lane according to Brian Hughes

Re: “Three councils have supported bike lanes,” (Herald, March 11).

In a recent submission by Brian Hughes applauding three councils for the bike lane project, he applauds the fact that three councils approved the concept. He makes several statements that, unless he has inside irrefutable, factual information that we, as the balance of taxpayers aren’t privilege to, who knows what is or is not factual.

Hughes makes no mention of how the whole project was orchestrated without any referendum put out to taxpayers. He stated that three different councils approved the bike lane concept. Does this mean that because councils approved it, that it properly met the wishes of taxpayers who had little or no say in the matter. According to Hughes, councils acting unilaterally seem to take precedence over taxpayers thoughts and ideas. Is this democracy in action?

While it is true that there were some information sessions as to the project, its viability and the fact that $35,000 was spent on a feasibility study, Hughes, in his capacity as an investment adviser, has the audacity to say that anyone with concerns as to the bike lane project’s effectiveness needs a head shake.

It would seem that he is using his professional position to downplay any thoughts or ideas that taxpayers may have had but who had little or no say in things.

He seems to be fostering an idea that might makes right by touting three councils and their seemingly, unilateral decisions.

Hughes makes reference to the fact that the bike lane is a pathway that allows motorized wheelchairs, scooters and bikes to travel safely. Unless Hughes has expertise as an urban planner, (urban planner definition: a professional who practices in the field of town, city or urban planning) I would encourage him to check the bike lane design around the Duncan-Fairview area and then explain how this is safe. The lanes are not complete nor is there adequate signage. If this is what he deems as being safe, I would be hard pressed to understand what he terms as unsafe.

As far as bang for the taxpayer dollar is concerned, Hughes appears to be thinking about this project in a monetary justifiable way as this would seem to be in his bailiwick.

The bike lane route might be best described as a scarcely used by a few path. All one has to do is go from start to finish on a bright, sunny day once or twice and one can soon learn if the end justifies the means. Ron Barillaro Penticton