Dear Editor,
Richmond is home to many public trails, enjoyed by many enthusiastic users only to be abused by other users.
The West Dyke Trail that stretches from Garry Point Park to Terra Nova is worthy of note for its beautiful panoramic view of the Georgia Straits, Vancouver Island and the North Shore Mountains.
It attracts many visitors and locals. I walk this trail daily and have watched its popularity grow.
It has become a mecca for cyclists of all ages, shapes and sizes.
It is family friendly, from tiny tots being towed by mom/dad to beginners struggling with their training wheels, finally graduating to their first two-wheeler and beyond.
The cyclist shares the trail with walkers, joggers, runners, dogs-on-leash and strollers. There was a time when horse riding was popular along the dyke/trail.
Unfortunately, the trail is now being abused and violated by an increase in the use of motorized bicycles(electric driven) that can reach speeds of 30kph.
The riders of such bicycles show total disregard for all other users of the dyke/trail. They produce clouds of dust and throw up dirt as they go whizzing by without any warning. It is only a matter of time before an innocent child and/or any other user of the trail becomes the victim of a violent accident. Keep in mind that electric bikes are not licensed nor insured and therefore cannot be held liable in the event of an accident.
Victims could face serious medical bills and long recovery periods.
This must not be allowed to happen.
But where are the rules and regulations and the bylaws to enforce such?
Safety is paramount! Does one size fit all or does the spandex and motorized cyclist have priority?
Bicycle etiquette is lacking.There is no signage along the West Dyke Trail to suggest that motorized bicycles are not allowed.
After many frustrating attempts to contact Richmond City Hall on this matter, including a visit to city hall, I came away empty-handed.
As a taxpayer, I expect information or at least instructions for where to find it.
Junior officers that I contacted only referred me to supervisors and/or managers who were not at their desks, but provided voicemail messages to please: “Leave your name, phone number and the subject of your call.”
Alan Johnson
Richmond
