Dear Editor,
Re: “Cyclist killed in head-on,” News, Nov. 9
It is with such sadness that I read of the accident that killed one cyclist and severely injured two others in our city this Sunday.
Richmond is frequented every weekend by many cycling clubs, as well as individuals who enjoy our flat, farm roads and beautiful scenery.
Many are training to take part in one of numerous fundraising events, such as the Just Giver 4 PD and the Ride to Conquer Cancer that raise so much money, benefiting all of us in the community.
Having been a member of one such cycling club, I know the roads that make up the popular loop round the outside of Richmond.
These roads are appropriate for cycling, as they are away from the main arteries of the city. The majority of these roads, other than Railway Avenue and around the airport, do not, however, have any protection for cyclists or indeed motorists. With the volume of cyclists using these roads, we need to consider if that needs to change.
It is worth noting that these are the roads that cyclists use and want to use.
It keeps cyclists, especially those cycling in groups, away from the majority of traffic and is therefore safer for everyone involved.
As a city, we need to recognize that Richmond has a popular cycling route frequented by people of all competencies.
We need to add safety measures appropriate to the nature of these roads, be it signage or bike lanes.
When discussing cycling in a city such as Richmond, we often talk in terms of commuters and cycle lanes.
We need to consider the novice, weekend warrior cycle club members, as well as the experienced clubs who enjoy our city.
They are often raising significant amounts of money for great causes, enhancing our communities, enjoying each others company and getting some great exercise.
These are all values that Richmond’s citizens embrace and that we should encourage.
As citizens of this community, we need to stop and consider if there is something that we need to change, so that this type of accident never happens again and so that we are keeping our cyclists and motorists safe.
Sarah Bianchini
Richmond
