Some statements in the Saanich News articles involving Edward Pullman of the GVCC are incorrect:
“Many cyclists disregard the need to dismount in other areas of Saanich which is where some of the problems occur. However, drivers are unaware of the rules and cyclists who approach the Goose from McKenzie cite driver abuse and incidents.”
There is a yield sign for bicyclists before the fast turn lane, but many bicyclists ignore it. In general I observe motorists being quite careful, they almost always avoid the many bicyclists who ignore the yield sign.
While a few drivers may jeer at bicyclists riding in crosswalks, not realizing the exception in this case, I see the problem as failure of bicyclists to yield and motor vehicle drivers being careless. (Some drivers hastening down McKenzie Speedway will not be attentive enough, speed of course reduces time to notice things.)
“The next step is an improvement along the Admirals-McKenzie corridor, where the new Craigflower Bridge boasts sizable bike lanes only to see them disappear as Admirals Road extends into Saanich.”
In fact bicycle lanes extend beyond the north end of the Colquitz bridge, connecting to some usable width approaching Highway 1 (behind a low barrier).
The lanes were added when Admirals was rebuilt at the time of replacement of the Colquitz bridge several years ago – it included good sidewalks and bicycle lanes, and replacement of the Craigflower bridge a year ago – it also has both except for the fools who installed a bench in part of the sidewalk width.
Better surfaces certainly are needed, but the GVCC should ride the locations in question, stop promoting neo-Marxist activism, and do more to educate bicyclists.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich