The Gazette: Letter – Make bike paths safer for cyclists

On the heels of the recent Live Earth concerts, and challenge to people around the world to take the Live Earth pledge, a set of seven commitments to confront the climate crisis, I would like to appeal to citizens to help pressure governments to take action to facilitate healthy and environmentally friendly activities on behalf of all citizens. A determined effort to facilitate cycling and in-line skating activities by the creation of a stronger network of bicycle paths and right-of-ways in the West Island is long overdue.

An avid cyclist, I moved to my current residence partly based on plans from Pointe Claire city hall almost 25 years ago to build a bicycle path on the south side of Lakeshore Rd. To date, I have seen no progress on that project, which is unfortunate, because Pointe Claire’s neighbours to the east and west (Dorval and Beaconsfield) have demonstrated at least a commitment to cyclists (albeit limited) along the lakeshore.

Of course, these efforts don’t come close to the wonderful network that awaits the cyclist or rollerblader who heads east once he/she reaches Lachine. Paths along the canal or following the river eastward can lead one into Old Montreal or Nun’s Island and to the south shore. The West Island also appears to be sadly lacking in viable, safe routes heading north to south. Have you noticed how congested traffic has become on major thoroughfares like St. Jean and St. Charles Blvds. lately?

Try to cross Highway 40 on a bicycle on anything but the sidewalk and you’re taking your life in your hands. We really need to encourage healthy alternatives to gas-guzzling vehicles, and in order to do this we need to get serious about safe and viable alternatives. If citizens recognized routes as safe, they and their children would be more inclined to seek alternatives to the automobile.

As gas prices continue to soar, perhaps more effort and money will be forthcoming to increase realistic bicycle and in-line skating paths everywhere. Our frantic pace of life runs counter to allowing us to get the healthy exercise we need utilizing efficient conveyances such as bicycles and in-line skates (and cross-country skis or skates in winter) on safe routes in both rural and urban areas.

This would require that urban environments be adapted for cycling – the creation of bicycle lanes, off-road cycling paths and realistic commuter arrangements. I am hopeful that others will join me in helping to lobby for such improvements. If you support the need (paraphrasing Live Earth’s second pledge item) to take personal action to help solve the climate crisis, please help influence our local, provincial and federal politicians to get serious about safe and viable bicycle and in-line skating paths everywhere on the West Island.

Wayne Clifford, Pointe Claire