Regular bike lanes worked just fine

I have just received my notice of the yearly property tax increase in the mail. There is a $200 increase in “general” taxes, which I can assume partially covers the cost of the ridiculous bike lanes on Pandora Avenue.

I am an avid recreational cyclist, pedalling my way to a new and better fitness life. I have cycled down Pandora ever since I bought my bike, and found nothing lacking. Lots of space, easy negotiation of turns if required, and sensible access to the Johnson Street Bridge and the Galloping Goose trail. Coming back was just as easy; up Johnson Street, and a left on Vancouver, and away I was toward home in Fernwood.

Now, I have to deal with speeding bikes coming right at me, the eastbound lane coming to a shuddering stop with nowhere to go, and, for heaven’s sake, toddlers playing in bike-traffic lanes. Why are their parents letting their small children ride downtown into traffic? Do they let them play hop-scotch on the Pat Bay Highway?

Why two lanes on a one-way street? What is wrong with simple lines painted on each of Pandora, Johnson, Yates and Fort streets? It worked perfectly in the past.

These bike lanes are an ill-conceived, poorly thought-through, and, in the words of my bike buddy, “moronic,” construct. They are a monumental waste of money.

It ain’t broke; don’t fix it. M.D. Hansen Victoria