Some cycling lanes may be good for some cyclists such as those travelling north/south at Mt. Newton but they are not practical for those travelling from Saanichton on Lochside. This especially applies to those riding east on Mt. Newton where after crossing the first crosswalk they are required to walk their bike over the pedestrian overpass and cross Mt. Newton again, this time in a mid-block location where there have been numerous pedestrian incidents.
The cycling lane on Mt. Newton effectively prohibits cyclists from riding from Lochside to Saanichton. I have ridden throughout B.C. and feel the municipality that is most unfriendly to cyclists is Central Saanich. It is only in Central Saanich that I feel some main routes are too dangerous to ride. Have you ridden past the old Mt. Newton school which is supposedly a main cycling route?
If the current Motor Vehicle Act regarding clearance between cyclists was enforced cycling lanes would not be needed.
Norm Ryder
Saanichton
