Continuing push to restrict cars omits needs of people in them

Re: Why has Vancouver been so slow in responding to even COVID’S simpler challenges?

I agree with Daphne Bramham that leadership in Vancouver has been lacking in the COVID-19 crisis, particularly when contrasted with the leadership from Victoria. However, there is one aspect of her column that makes me uncomfortable. For years now, it has been considered laudable to get cars off the road. Any proposals to do so are praised as forward-thinking and environmentally friendly.

What is often missing from these conversations is the impact on the people who ride in those cars. For this reason, the discussions about designating more streets where cars are banned makes me nervous because I don’t have faith that the interests of all citizens are being considered.

A prime example is the recent closure of Stanley Park to automobiles. I’m sure that action has delighted the cyclists and pedestrians who can now walk and ride more safely. But, not mentioned in this conversation are the people for whom this fabulous Vancouver gem is now inaccessible — people such as seniors who don’t live in the West End, people whose physical limitations make cycling impossible, or young families from other parts of the Lower Mainland who just want to go to the park for a picnic and a day at the beach.

Hopefully, we can find some way to allow all people at least some opportunity to access the park this summer. I’m old enough to remember a time when the slogan of the day was “Share the Road” and I have come to accept many of the changes to our streets that have been beneficial in bringing that about. Sadly, the concept of sharing seems to have been discarded in favour of “Get the Cars Off the Road.” Surely the municipal government should be working for the benefit of all citizens and realizing that, for some of us at least, driving is the only way we can have access to these neighbourhoods that make Vancouver a desirable city in which to live.

Bruce Metzler, Vancouver