Re: Riding the Rainbow Connection (News, May 16)
While people near Rainbow Park may not be happy about more traffic through “their backyards,” I have already seen pedestrians using the new path, which is not yet completed.
The only downside that I can see from the location of the path is that the berm was a great visual and physical barrier, making the field beside it a great place for children and dogs to run around freely and safely.
I don’t know how much the noise from traffic at McKenzie Avenue and Douglas Street has been muted by the berm, but I suppose that might also make a difference to the park. Planting a hedge between the path and the field would be a handsome solution, though it might take time to develop a more solid barrier.
Also, I wonder who are these people in the community against building the trail?
My guess would be that they are people who can afford to drive wherever they please and who are too comfortable with the status quo to see the economic, ecological, and even esthetic advantages that cycling brings to the community.
More bike traffic means less noise, higher air quality, people spending more time outside, taking care of their health, leading by example, and more social interaction.
Bike trails and bike lanes are great, especially making terrain less challenging for more novice riders, but creating these advantages costs a lot of money.
I would like to see more investment in safe cycling education and advertising the cycling routes and locations in the municipality.
If I had more access to routing information, I might be more likely to leave my car at home, especially as cycling off major auto routes might actually get me around town faster and safer.
Happy trails, Saanich.
Katie Firestone
Saanich