City should listen to residents when it comes to traffic safety

Re: ‘It’s already working’: locals baffled by cycling lane plan — Sept. 24

I read with interest the story about residents on Bedford Road who have advised the City of Kitchener that proposed expenditures on their road are unwarranted and will not improve on the status quo. I have had a similar situation on our street (Doon Mills Drive).

After studies discovered that traffic volume was expected to double on our quiet street as a result of new development in the Doon area, neighbours along my street met with city engineers to discuss ways to slow traffic down. Average speeds were measured with the assistance of the police and found to be sufficiently above the posted signage to warrant traffic calming measures, including traffic islands and redirected traffic flows with the use of curb extensions.

Unfortunately, the plans shown did not end up matching what was discussed with residents. An island meant to force cars to change direction and slow down was built so small as to have no effect whatsoever on cars passing through it. A portion of the street where curbside parking on both sides had previously served to slow traffic down was replaced with two small curb extensions and no parking signs on the opposite side. The net effect was to actually provide wider passage for through traffic since cars can now only park on one side.

It’s frustrating that residents who live in these affected areas do not seem to get a bigger say into changes as they are the best witnesses to how traffic moves through them.

Ed Das

Kitchener