The Editor,
What is the message from Mainroad?
For some time now, cyclists, pedestrians and drivers have had to deal with the resurfacing of the overpass of United Boulevard over Lougheed Highway. As a cyclist, I have had to endure motorists trying to discourage my use of the overpass while the pedestrian/cyclist path was closed. That discouragement has taken many forms but mostly is just trying to force me off to the side. That is usually partnered with verbal expletives and horn blowing.
I am glad the walking/cycling path is now reopened but getting to it is, at best, very difficult. Once you arrive at the place to cross, you have to negotiate this maze of concrete. To make matters even more bizarre, a sign has been erected warning users to “cross here when safe.”
But there is nothing safe about it. One must jump the concrete barricades just to get to the roadway. Once that is accomplished, you then have to make your dash to safety as vehicles on the ramp have no idea there is a crossing ahead and are typically doing highway speeds.
I have sent requests to Mainroad asking for traffic notices at the bottom of the ramp advising motorists of the potential for pedestrians and cyclists ahead — no replies and no action. I have requested painted crosswalks to offer those not in cars a safety zone. That also has not happened.
If you study the photo accompanying this letter, you can see it is not a welcoming environment for walkers or cyclists. One can only conclude just what the message is to those of us who need to use this path. It definitely isn’t “Welcome.”
Walter Leech, Coquitlam
