Holy cow, we couldn't agree more with Kim Foster and the issues she raised in your story, "City bike lanes in "terrible state"" in the Aug. 23 Citizen.
We live across from the entrance to Wilson Park on Ospika Boulevard and frequently drive the stretch from Fifth and Ospika to our home.
We have similar problems in our bike lanes along Ospika North and, despite frequent calls to Bylaw Services (and the Non-Emergency RCMP line outside bylaw hours), we have yet to see either agency make this very popular cycling route a priority.
Last night, we counted 15 cars parked illegally in the bike lanes and, since they were still there in the morning, we can only assume they were there overnight. As these cars were parked near the crest of a hill on an S-curve, drivers will not see tired and slow-moving cyclists who have been forced into the motor vehicle lane until it is too late.
Contrary to Jillian Merrick's assertion that it is merely "a matter of reporting the issue," like Kim Foster, we have found that reporting the issue doesn't result in any real action or, more importantly, change from the community. What motivation is there for community change without bylaw enforcement?
Perhaps it's time for city council to provide a directive to Fred Crittenden, manager of bylaw services, to prioritize enforcement of the bike bylaw.
Jillian Merrick did great work in getting the bylaw passed but it appears that city administration needs to be reminded to take directives from our elected council seriously.
John Moxin
Lillian Schwarz
Prince George
