Dear Editor
I read with bemusement Casey Prigge’s letter (Greenway problem poses safety concern, New Westminster Record June 3, 2015) regarding the poor state of the Central Valley cycle route between Cumberland and Debeck Street on Columbia.
There is no cycle route between Cumberland and Debeck Street on Columbia. That stretch is pedestrian only. The cycle route (which is clearly marked at both ends) detours up to Sapper Street, to avoid this stretch of sidewalk. As a daily pedestrian commuter to and from the Sapperton SkyTrain station, I used to walk this stretch of sidewalk. However, after near and actual collisions with cyclists (typically coming up on me from behind at a high rate of speed), including one incident where I ended up being knocked onto Columbia Street (thankfully without any cars approaching), I now avoid taking this route.
Which is unfortunate – if cyclists simply read and observed the posted signs, there would be no problem with this stretch of sidewalk.
Peter Anderson, New Westminster
