I cycle because it’s better for the environment and better for my physical and mental health. Lucky for me, Campbell River has a perfect climate for year-round cycling. I know; I used to cycle in Prince George.
Despite our climatic advantages, I have a few suggestions for improving our cycling quotient that would cost very little money.
1. City council should partner with business owners and the perhaps the Regional District to put rain roofs over bike racks. It’s not pleasant to lock up with the rain pelting down.
1a.Install more bike racks.
2. Extend the length of yellow caution lights a couple of seconds. I’m an older cyclist with bad knees, so I can’t cross an intersection as quickly as others.
3. Put crossing buttons where cyclists can reach them. We shouldn’t have to make the choice of climbing onto the sidewalk or waiting for a vehicle to come and trigger the light change.
4. (For something completely different!) Provide a “ski lift” experience on a couple of the major hills. Offer an annual token for a minimal amount, say $20, for bus passage from, for example, the bottom of Dogwood to 7th Avenue. Then, those like me who are old and arthritic but love to cycle, would use our bikes more and our cars less.
None of these would be expensive, and each would make cycling safer and more pleasant.
Molly Eichar
Campbell River