Don’t forget pedestrians and their need for safety

There have been many letters regarding which user groups should be allowed to use bicycle lanes. However, what has been missing from the discussion is consideration of how these decisions will affect the safety and enjoyment of what is by far the largest and most diverse user group of all: Pedestrians.

Incursions of bicycles and e-bikes onto pedestrian-only sidewalks in Victoria are increasing. Many of the people doing this appear to be inexperienced riders who are fearful of travelling on the road, or visitors who simply are not aware of the rules and find that signs are nonexistent or confusing.

Pedestrian safety on sidewalks does not seem to be a priority for local governments, especially in the City of Victoria.

I understand why cyclists are not keen to share bike lanes with e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly given the speed that some of these devices travel at.

However, if bike lanes were designated exclusively for the use of non-motorized bicycles, then this would likely lead to increased numbers of incursions of e-devices onto pedestrian-only sidewalks.

To my knowledge there are no industry groups or coalitions of walking clubs that lobby governments on behalf of pedestrians. But “pedestrians” includes most citizens of Greater Victoria, including all ethnicities, the young, the old, people with small children and strollers, dog walkers and people using mobility aids such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs.

We deserve to have our municipal governments take seriously our safety on sidewalks and shared pathways. Clear signs would be a good start.

Paul Haynes Victoria