Will Earth survive this generation?
Re: “Bike lanes make early appearance,” (Herald, March 15).
Wednesday’s front page felt like a kick to the gut. And then the news that Coun. Ryan Graham has asked for a recall of the vote gave me a big sigh of relief.
Returning to Penticton two years ago after 15 years in Ontario, I was thrilled to see how much the city had changed — and for the better.
I saw a new, revitalized town with young people, children, thriving, innovative downtown businesses, walking, cycling, and smiling faces.
However, the new protected bike lanes were my real welcome home.
I am 68, and cycling has always been my primary mode of transportation. When I left Penticton, I had been one of a brave handful of adults who would cycle on roads where we were neither welcome nor acknowledged, especially in the faintly painted bike lanes.
I lived in Ottawa when the first protected cycling lane was installed on Laurier Avenue. I wept the first time I rode on it. Even though I have spent my entire adult life as a cyclist, many of those in big cities, I had never felt safe on a busy road before.
I have been delighted to replicate my Laurier Avenue experience on Martin Street almost daily.
I was excited to vote for a new mayor with a broad vision of a greener Penticton, with at least three councillors who shared his views.
Then, there was this vote on Tuesday night. To James Miller, Amelia Boultbee, and Helena Konanz, as the drivers of this bad dream, when did councillors start to speak for their perception of the “majority” and not for the good of all?
I rely on leaders who live in the present and look not to the past but the future. What legacy are we leaving our grandchildren? Will the Earth survive this generation? What can Penticton do to make life here for all of us sustainable? These are the fundamental questions for Pentictonites today.
A protected lake-to-lake bike lane is a symbol of hope for that future. So why would you not, at the very least, complete the good work that previous councils started?
Pat Deacon Penticton