Editor:
It was with disbelief that I saw billboards indicating that the McInnes overpass will be reopened to traffic on Sept 10.
Not only am I questioning this decision in the midst of the fourth wave, I am also sad about the ongoing prioritization of cars over other means of transportation.
If we as a city want to commit to sustainability, we should start reallocating road space away from cars and towards pedestrians and bikes.
Widening space for pedestrians also improves access for our community members who use wheelchairs and for parents pushing strollers. Keeping the McInnes overpass one way would be a small. but important step towards improving access for all.
Lastly, the closure has reduced traffic and calmed Quayside Drive over the last year and half. Previously, drivers would speed through our community to beat traffic on Columbia. It would be sad to see the return of speeding.
We are in a climate emergency and in a pandemic, returning to status quo is not an option and I expect bold decision by our leaders. Reopening roads that were closed to prioritize pedestrians is not a helpful decision.
Jens Vent-Schmidt, New Westminster
