Re: “Dallas Road never feels unsafe for cycling,” letter, Dec. 23.
I’ve heard lots of pushback from drivers about the potential loss of parking to allow bike lanes along Dallas Road, and some have even said that reducing parking means that disabled people can’t access facilities such as the walkway along Dallas Road.
Assuming that only able-bodied people cycle, and disabled people only use special vehicles to go places is incorrect. I’m disabled; I was hurt in the military five years ago. I ride a recumbent trike; it’s my only means of transportation other than taxis.
As a disabled rider, it’s incredibly scary riding along Dallas Road — I’m lower to the ground, so even with all my flags and lights and service dog, cars backing out from angled parking cannot see me. I’d go right under the car in an accident.
Because of my injury, riding the recumbent is all I can do. I cannot walk even as far as Dallas Road (I live just a few blocks away).
Assuming all cyclists are able-bodied is severely mistaken — many cyclists who use recumbent trikes or bikes are disabled. I have several friends with MS who can’t walk far and have balance issues. But they can ride.
My trike is my mobility device — not all disabled people need access to parking. Equal access to transportation needs to include all disabled people. Safe cycling infrastructure allows us to be active citizens in our community.
Dana Batho
Victoria
