I’ve noticed several letters in recent months criticizing bike lanes and questioning the investment in cycling infrastructure. As a cyclist who commutes daily in Greater Victoria, I’d like to offer an opinion from a different perspective – one that recognizes the value of these investments, not just for those who bike, but for the broader community.
Cycling is not merely a leisure activity; for many, it is an essential mode of transportation – one that is affordable, reliable, and sustainable. Investments in bike lanes are not about prioritizing one group over another, but about improving safety, accessibility, and efficiency for all road users. Separated bike lanes make streets safer, reducing conflicts between cyclists and drivers, and helping to ensure that everyone – whether on foot, on a bike, or in a car – can move through the city more predictably and with less stress.
Cities worldwide that have embraced active transportation infrastructure reap long-term benefits: reduced congestion, lower road maintenance costs, improved air quality, and healthier, more connected communities. Every cyclist represents one less car in traffic, and every investment in cycling helps create a more livable city, where people of all ages and abilities can move safely outside of a vehicle.
Rather than viewing bike lanes as a costly burden, it’s worth considering them as an investment in a future where transportation options are more equitable, our streets are safer, and our city is more resilient. I hope this letter provides a more favourable perspective on cycling, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute a broader opinion piece on the benefits of bike infrastructure in Greater Victoria.
W. Eego
Victoria
