To the editor,
Re: Take a ride on the south side, Best of the City, June 27.
There may be great off-road trails on which to ride bicycles in the south end, but one can hardly deem the roads in Yellow Point-Cedar as a “cyclist’s nirvana.”
Anyone who cycles from Nanaimo to Cedar-Yellow Point knows of the treacherous road conditions in the area. There are little to no shoulders on Yellow Point and Cedar Roads and the edges of the road have a lip that threatens to drag you and your bike into rubble. This, plus the many blind curves and traffic far exceeding the 50-kilometres-per-hour speed limit make cycling in the area a harrowing experience.
I drive often to the area and have yet to see lots of bicyclists. Yes, beautiful area, but nary a ‘share the road’ bicycle sign. Those bicycles painted on the road, while not designating a lane for bicycles, at least remind drivers to be cautious, especially around curves. If the future of the area includes agritourism, civic leaders need to push for safer roads for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Eleanor Thompson, Nanaimo