The decision by Victoria city council to keep cyclists off the David Foster Harbour Pathway is largely a financial decision, but it鈥檚 also a good decision for pedestrians.
When cyclists and pedestrians mix on the same trail, the experience is sometimes less than leisurely for people on foot.
The 2008 estimate for completion of the pathway stretching from Ogden Point to Rock Bay was $18.9 million. But a staff report says that figure underestimates costs that are probably closer to $27 million, plus land-acquisition costs, to finish the project.
Restricting the five-kilometre waterfront pathway to pedestrian use will reduce costs and make it easier to meet completion deadlines, the report says.
City councillors endorsed that recommendation Thursday.
鈥淥bviously, I'm a little regretful to have to do this but I think, in fact, the staff recommendation is the correct one,鈥� Coun. Geoff Young, a cyclist, said.
Cycling is growing as a means of transportation in the capital region, and so it should. It鈥檚 an environmentally friendly way to move people, and it results in improved health and fitness.
But it can also be dangerous when cyclists and pedestrians use the same routes. People out for a stroll are understandably nervous about collisions with speeding cyclists. That doesn鈥檛 mean every cyclist 鈥� or even the majority 鈥� is irresponsible, but even a few reckless cyclists on the region鈥檚 streets and trails are enough to justify those fears.
Just as dedicated routes are needed for safe cycling, so are pathways needed where people can walk without having to constantly look over their shoulders for hurtling velocipedes.
