I was so sorry to hear about the recent death of a bicycling child hit by a car (“10-year-old boy on bike killed in collision,” The Columbian, Oct. 9). As a 62-year-old mother, grandmother, and bicycle commuter, I want to share a few thoughts about bicycling in Vancouver.
I bicycle to work when I can. I feel proud that I can cycle to work. I have flashing lights and bright clothes. And most motorists are careful and respectful. But there are definitely problems, even in the “bike lanes.” A bicyclist is just as vulnerable as a pedestrian if they are hit by a car. Why don’t we have more separated bike lanes? Why do so many of our country roads lack a decent shoulder for pedestrians and bicycles? These should be priorities.
Let’s work together to avoid more bicycle accidents and deaths. Our community needs to do more to create safe bicycle corridors and lanes. Bicycles are environmentally friendly, a good form of exercise, and a good option for Vancouver, where distances are short and flat. We need to make safety a priority. Let’s make our bike lanes and streets safer for bicycles and children.
