VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

HOGGING THE LIMELIGHT

It appears our new premier, Iain Rankin, loves the spotlight. I guess an election is on the way soon. Every time I hear a news story about Nova Scotia, he is the one making the announcement, no matter what the subject matter.

Mr. Rankin, why not let cabinet ministers make announcements for news items affecting their portfolios?

Why not try doing something more productive and substantial for our province rather than seemingly micromanaging every matter that comes up?

David Knowles, Bedford

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

I’d like to thank the Good Samaritan who stopped to help me when I crashed my bicycle on Hines/ Caldwell Road near Shearwater on the afternoon of April 8. I have no idea who this motorist was, as I do not remember much of the accident, but this person drove me home and I ended up in emergency for treatment.

Thank you so much for stopping to help.

A semi-truck and trailer had forced me out of the marked bike lane and onto the gravel shoulder, causing me to flip and injure myself.

I realize roads can be narrow and the margin of error at times small. However, there is a one-metre safety zone rule that requires the full attention of vehicle operators.

Cycling provides many health benefits, but if drivers are not 100 per cent alert when approaching cyclists on the road, the outcome could be deadly. I’m truly thankful I’m not a “ghost bike” stat as a result of this.

I wish to send a message to both vehicle operators and cyclists, that respect, awareness and good driving habits are critical for the safety of cyclists, especially now at the start of another cycling season.

Slow down, give space, and be respectful!

Junior Gosse, Cole Harbour

SCOOTERS ON THE LOOSE

In December of last year, I sent an email to the provincial “Traffic Safety Act engagement team,” as I heard they were looking for feedback on updates to the legislation. I asked whether new provisions addressing the prevalence of e-scooters in downtown Halifax would be included.

The reply I received from Paul Arsenault, director of special projects, was that they were on a tight timeline to release the new regulations, and he was hopeful they’d address the e-scooter issue “in the near future.”

Anyone who spends any amount of time in downtown knows how troublesome these devices are. The majority of people who use them drive on the sidewalk at speeds that are much too fast, if pedestrians are also present. Which, of course, is always!

I’ve seen plenty of close calls on sidewalks where a pedestrian has been startled as these devices zip by. In addition, I’ve e seen numerous people using these devices on the street and, in one case, going the wrong way in traffic. Never have I seen anyone wearing a helmet.

Unfortunately, as is always the case, the government won’t prioritize the regulation of these vehicles until someone is killed. This truly is “an accident waiting to happen.” Barry Morshead, Halifax

SALARY CAP

Re: “Air Canada bailout gives us new co-pilot from Ottawa” (April 15 editorial). When it comes to corporate bailouts by the government of Canada using public funds, I think that executive pay should not be allowed to exceed the prime minister’s salary.

Robert Roe, Halifax