Editor:
Re: Delta’s ordinary cyclists deserve safety as well, letter to the editor, July 11, and Not all cyclists are as courteous as letter writer, letter to the editor, July 25
I agree with the letters written by Angela Baggott and Greg Edwards. Both drivers and cyclists can be responsible for accidents that occur but should city planners and engineers also share a portion of the blame? Roads in Delta are hardly meant to encourage cycling, as all you have is a painted white line to protect you from a vehicle collision.
Ticketing drivers and honking horns at cyclists is not going to be enough to foster a sense of safety for either party. Sweden has overcome this issue by developing Vision Zero. Vision Zero is a feasible solution that cities around the world are adopting to reduce cyclist mortality. It is based on the understanding that everyone has the right to safe mobility and that pedestrians and cyclists are placed first when it comes to the development of new infrastructure.
The Vision Zero program, initially launched in Sweden in 1997, has cut its traffic deaths in half within two decades.
Vision Zero encourages cities to consider cyclists first when upgrading roads and constructing new ones. It encourages the construction of a physical barrier between cars and cyclists, essentially creating streets that are split in two, providing safety and promoting sustainable modes of transport.
Maybe it’s time to end the debate of cyclist vs vehicle driver and to ask your city to provide safe infrastructure for both.
Lauren Crumley
