Dear Editor:
I would like to express my concern over the consistent vitriol and repeated insults Trevor Lautens’ hurls at “spandex speeding” cyclists (most recently, his Jan. 27 column). In a time when all three North Shore communities have realized the need for, and the positive effects of promoting and supporting active transportation, his views are prejudiced, not based on traffic/accident statistics and encourage aggression against people who cycle.
As a 50+ registered nurse, mother, tax-paying, longtime North Shore resident, and homeowner, who rides her bike, runs, walks and drives on the North Shore and commutes regularly by bike to work in Burnaby, Trevor Lautens’ comments at the very least insult me, at the worst endanger my safety.
I encourage Trevor to hop on his bike to experience the aggression bike riders who are well-lit and respect the law face every day through distracted, speeding people in cars. Among other benefits, it may reduce his grumpiness and instill compassion for the dangers law-abiding cyclists face.
Good for him for not falling off his bike in icy conditions 50 years ago, but with all due respect, it does not count as recent experience.
Kudos to “car guy” Brendan McAleer, who consistently provides balanced, fact-based views on the interactions between people in cars and people walking or cycling – in his automotive column none the less!
The North Shore News needs to take a stand and start supporting the vision of active and safe transportation for all traffic participants and contribute to a constructive dialogue around the issues North Vancouver residents in cars, on foot and on bikes face.
Trevor Lautens’ hatred against cyclists has nothing to add to this conversation.
Sibylle Tinsel
North Vancouver
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