Editor:
Re: Please slow down (Letters, Optimist, Feb. 28)
I can’t agree more about the dangers of bike riders passing pedestrians unsafely from behind.
It is unfortunate the writer singled out e-bikes as the concerns expressed apply to all bikes and riders and are not exclusive to e-bikes by any means. It is not the bike that is the problem, it is the person riding it.
Too many bike riders seem completely lacking in basic safety knowledge. They come from behind pedestrians; often travelling too fast and with no concern for the safety of others. How difficult is it to ring a bell and/or call out “passing on your left”? And, if you want to travel at high speeds, why not do it on the road rather than weaving amongst pedestrians?
It is almost impossible to walk the Millennium Trail without being passed from behind without warning. On nice weekends especially, it is common to encounter groups of bike riders travelling three abreast at high speeds with no concern for the safety of pedestrians. Too many times I have seen them give the middle finger to people when asked to slow down.
On Feb. 26/21 the Optimist reported on a senior that was hit from behind on the Millennium Trail and sustained serious injuries. Despite this and complaints to the City of Delta, nothing changes. With increased density, the dikes and trails are only going to get busier increasing the risk for somebody to be seriously hurt. Most likely a small child or a senior.
We are also casual bike riders and converted to e-bikes a few years ago and chose bikes that require us to be peddling for the battery to work. We bike without the assistance of the battery most of the time, using it only to get up hills. We wear helmets and for the safety of everyone including ourselves, we signal when passing, travel at appropriate speeds and use the road when possible.
Wendy Gayle
