, 8 — Sunday, December 7, 1997 - North Shore News north shore news MAIL Box Cyc Dear Editor: Like many North Shore residents who work in Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge is part of my regular 45-kilome- tre commute. Unlike the vast majority, however the vehicle I use is a bicycle. For many months, [ have been writ- ing the Ministry of Transportation and Highways in an effort to improve cycling routes which are under ministry jurisdiction. I have suggested several simple and inexpensive options tor routes around the North Shore bridges that would make these crossings safer for both cyclists and pedestrians. Thus far, my comments have met with little more than indifference, apa- thy. and ignorance. Incidents like the recently publicized one involving Larry Zimich and two construction workers only highlight the ministry’s failings in scriously addressing this issuc. In . addition to the long-standing “Cyclists dismount when approaching _. pedestrians” sign (normally an unneces- sary and an impractical action) at the south end of the Lions Gare Bridge, a new sign..rcading “Violators will be prosecuted” has been erected below it. I find this sign offensive, and it clear- ly indicates j just | how backward- -thinking PU the Ministry of Transportation and Highways is. By demonstrating its intent to enforce an impractical law, the ministry might actually foment conflict between cyclists and pedestrians. The new sign may encourage pedes- trians to enforce the law themselves and put both groups at risk. Rather than address the fact that nei- ther cyclists nor pedestrians have been provided with a safe and practical route across the Lions Gate Bridge, the min- istry prefeys to divert attention fram the obvious need for separate cycling lanes and pedestrian sidewalks and present the issue as a cyclist versus pedestrian conflict. Hundreds of cyclists and dozens of pedestrians share the sidewalks on the Lions Gate Bridge and, fortunately, the number of clashes between the two groups is small. Normally, cyclists slow down and prepare to dismount when approaching cyclists and, when necessary, notify the edestrian of their presence either ver- Bally or by means of a bell of horn. The majority of pedestrians step toward the railing and ailow the cyclists to pass by without having to dismount RE ing routes lacking completely. At times, an irresponsible cyclist or a belligerent pedestrian may confront one another bur this does not occur fre- quently. Until a new or reconditioned bridge provides adequate bicvele lanes (three metres wide, both directions) and sepa- rate sidewalks (at least ovo metres wide, borh sides) an immediate solution must be found. First, the Ministry of Transportation and Highways must acknowledge that the present situation is unsatisfactory and thar the law requiring cyclists to dismount when approaching pedestri- ans is both unnecessary and impractical. I suggest that new signs be erected stating, “Cyclists use caution when approaching pedestrians” and “Pedestrians watch for cyclists.” This would encourage co-operation between the two groups while giving preference to neither. Tt is also what actually happens on the bridges most of the time. In the rare event of 2 collision, the person not exer- cising due care and attention would be at faulr. Ken Timewell North Vancouver L OVE - ESTONIA GRAND PiIANCS BUILT like no other... SOUNDS like no other... LASTS like no other... levate your taste from an ordinary Japanese or ; American made product to something SPECLAL and be rewarded 3 - with PURE LOVE FOR LIFE. Genuine, handcrafted ESTONIA GRANDS, seuing a new standard - LOVE FOR LIFE! Exclusively imported by HERITAGE GERMAN PIANOS LTD. “Half hour drive to piano Heaven” Welch's Assorted Frozen Juices Grape 838° Fruit Punch each Peach Raspberry Apple/Orange/Pineapple 341ml see SEpGE 300 - 350 gr Rose Orange Pekoe & Tea Bags Assorted Potato Chips December 7th to Dec 13th, 1997 “Factory Direct Public” 10604 King scree Hwy., Surrey B.C. 951 "8642 . Maxwell House Vac Pac [$5598 Coffee 300 gr teat $ Leaf teat Salmon 213 gr (while supplies last - we reserve the right to limit quantities.) TINGS ON ej AG sugs. / retail /ooft How does your garden grow? Find out in our many gardening classes. The North Shore Continuing Education Course Calendar will arvive with your North Shore News on December 14". To the thousands of . St. John Ambulance Volunteers: =qAanksS od ornailion™