Editor:
Re: Is this artistic new fence really a ‘hideous mess’, NOW Opinion.
Regarding safety upgrades and the new fence on Lougheed, east of Gaglardi Way, I can appreciate the upgrade, especially to the north sidewalk.
However, as a cyclist who both commutes and rides for leisure, I have to say the design is less than desirable for both cyclists and pedestrians. The partition is non-existent (I don’t count a different colour a valid partition - you can ask the person walking their dog on the extendable leash as they walk on one side and their dog on another which is which) and I certainly wouldn’t feel safe walking if a cyclist rode by me at an average commuting speed of 30 km per hour. I think the engineers who design these have very little experience, other than a slow ride on a seawall or possibly lack knowledge of pedestrian and cyclist behaviours.
Why not keep a bike lane with traffic as it remains west of Gaglardi? Oh, and thanks for narrowing the bike lane from the wide shoulder that used to be there. Please gather input before these things are designed. Pedestrians and cyclists deserve better. Lougheed is “safer” for vehicles but more dangerous for bicycles and pedestrians.
Ian Fingler, Burnaby
