I read your editorial of June 1 entitled “Will bike plan gain traction?”
Frankly, I was shocked that our city council would even consider putting roads through some of our walking trails.
I live in the Quidi Vidi area and have been using the surrounding walking and hiking trails for almost 40 years. During that time many changes and improvements were made to increase the participation and enjoyment of people using these trails. The one thing that did not change was the feeling of being so close to nature and natural surroundings while still being in the city.
City council’s plan to pave some of these trails does nothing to improve them but rather detracts from the beauty and enjoyment for users of the trails.
Currently, users of these trails include: walkers, walkers with dogs, joggers and families with kids, some with strollers etc. — you get the idea.
Once paved would this not allow other uses, for example skateboarding, scootering and in-line skating?
Obviously, if you put a road through some of these trails, rules on using the trails will be required, which will change how anyone can use them.
Signs will be needed, maybe keep right unless passing, no stopping or speed limits for cyclists.
I have nothing against cyclists but our walking trails should not be turned into roads to accommodate them.
Joni Mitchell was really ahead of her time when she wrote and sang “Big Yellow Taxi" in the 1970s.
They paved paradise.
William Breen Jr.,
St. John’s
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