St. John’s city councillor proposes converting bike lanes into full-time parking
Residents are incensed by the supposed 'inconvenience' of the lanes, Art Puddister argued
Cyclists in St. John’s, Newfoundland just can’t get a break, it seems. At least not if a certain local councillor has his way.
Last year, councillor Art Puddister put forward a motion at city hall to allow winter parking in bike lanes, the CBC reported. That, however, was just a taste of the municipal politician’s apparent antipathy for all things related to bike infrastructure, judging by reports published this week.
Now Puddister wants to see bike lanes converted into full-time parking altogether.
His reason? Puddister says the lanes have raised the ire of many in the neighbourhood, who see the valuable infrastructure as entirely useless. “If you look at places such as Canada Drive, Frecker Drive, Old Topsail Road, Wicklow Street,” the councillor suggested, “residents are up in arms about these things.” Inconvenience is one thing, he said. “But in a way, they’re a little bit dangerous as well,” he argued in conversation with the CBC.
“Bicycles,” he added, “[also] aren’t being used.”
The city’s bike task force, of course, took issue with Puddister’s comments. While conceding that the existing network of bike lanes in St. John’s could use some work, councillor Dave Lane argued against Puddister’s views, suggesting that it would be like throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
“Just because our current system is inadequate doesn’t mean completely scrapping it is the smart choice,” Lane told CBC reporters. “We’re working on a plan to provide safe and enjoyable cycling supports and we have to see it through.”
And the idea that bikes aren’t being used?
“If you think bicycles aren’t being used,” Lane said, “then just open your eyes while driving around St. John’s. There are lots of cyclists all over town and they need safe infrastructure.”
