ANOTHER week, another cyclist injured. This time, by a vehicle while riding where Dollarton Highway narrows from two lanes to one.
Once again, it appears a lack of bike lanes was a factor, prompting renewed calls for upgrades to the muncipality's cycling infrastructure.
Inevitably, any plan to install more paths, especially one that could come at the expense of drivers, will encounter resistance.
Critics point out, rightly, that infrastructure improvements won't end conflicts, and that many existing bike lanes are visibly underused.
But those who are put off by change must consider the issue from a longer-term perspective. The fact is, growing concern over climate change and public health are pressuring governments at all levels to discourage the use of cars, while gas prices, which have nowhere to go but up, will continue to encourage drivers to find alternative modes of transit.
Bike lanes may see relatively few users now, but in the years to come, that is bound to change. Sooner or later, the pressure to leave the car at home will overcome the weather and hilly terrain that currently deter so many would-be cyclists. When that day comes, it will serve us to be prepared.
The City and District of North Vancouver have a great opportunity on Monday night to move ahead with a collaborative Bicycle Master Plan. They should be encouraged to do so.
It's a cliché, but it's true: If you build it, they will come.
