Re: “Proceed with caution on Cook St. bike lanes,” comment, Jan. 17.
Robert McConnell’s commentary outlining the impact of eliminating vehicular traffic lanes should give our politicians cause for concern. In particular, a recommended temporary-closure trial period to assess the impact before proceeding makes a lot of sense.
Further, he is correct about costs, inconvenience and public-safety remaining unanswered. In February 2017, I emailed Mayor Lisa Helps and asked what studies or consultations had taken place in order to assess the cost to local businesses and local property owners while deliveries or emergency vehicles were delayed.
A lengthy response from Bridget Frewer outlined what the city had done and will continue to do, but did not answer my question. Apparently, nothing had been done to study this, as McConnell correctly points out.
The impression one is left with is that the city is more concerned about process (demonstrating that public consultation has taken place) than the feedback this process provides.
K.H. Demmler
Victoria
