To the editor:
Re: “Kits Beach bike path a done deal,” Oct. 16.
The park board would be wise to reconsider its “done deal” approach to the separated paved bike path through the picnic area at Kits beach. Even if only two tables need to be moved, the public reaction is loud and clear on the matter and in stark contrast to the “solid process” staff undertook when they spoke to a small number of beach goers.
I’m sure many will write letters screaming about the lack of public consultation, cost, poor design and removal of green space. All are valid arguments. So today I offer a reasonable compromise that should satisfy nearly everyone: install barriers on the existing shared path like at Third Beach. Require bike riders to dismount and skateboarders/in-line skaters to slow down to a walking pace. I frequent Third Beach a lot in the summer. It’s busy, but everyone abides by the direction and gets along.
Barriers offer a cost effective measure that achieves the park board’s stated safety goals. And if it doesn’t work, in two years, the next park board — whatever that looks like — can reconsider a separated path.
Trevor Boudreau,
Vancouver
