Regarding the letter, “Not a bike-friendly town” [published Nov. 7], I must come to a vigorous defence of the bike lanes in Squamish. I come from a place that had one bike lane downtown that went for two blocks. That was it. You were cast out into downtown traffic to fend for yourself.
In Squamish, we have bike lanes throughout the downtown, bike lanes that are two-way and are light at night, bike lanes that leave 18 inches so you don’t get doored in some places, and the dike trails that are extensive and go for kilometres.
I just don’t see how anyone could think that this town has failed. It has set the model for bike transport for all other small towns in the province. I know students who cycle from Valleycliffe to the Garibaldi Montessori school entirely on bike lanes. That’s riding bike lanes for over 30 minutes. Minor transitions to cross intersections or slowing down for obstructions are of no inconvenience, given what the town has given us.
And complaining about the leaves on the paths. Really? Sounds like those who think that this is something to complain about should maybe make their own private bike lanes on their own property. Squamish bike lanes are second to none.
Paul Sentesy
Squamish
