Governments must do more to aid mobility - GVAT Letter in Times Colonist

Re: “Development is needed in the right places,” commentary, Oct. 9 2023.

Victoria Coun. Dave Thompson is correct that it is not just people on bicycles using so-called bike routes. As he notes, wheelchairs and mobility scooters are now common on all ages and abilities bike-and-roll routes.

We are in a climate emergency, and designing bike-and-roll routes to meet the needs of people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters will allow a larger proportion of people to live well without owning and driving cars.

Many small steps like this will be needed to meet B.C.’s climate targets, which include reducing car traffic (vehicle kilometres traveled) 25 per cent by 2030.

The B.C. government’s delay in updating regulations to match their Motor Vehicle Act amendments is no excuse for municipal delay. Provincial human rights legislation requires municipalities and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to remove arbitrary barriers to independent mobility.

Better bike-and-roll routes will also improve the mobility options of the large proportion of people with disabilities and older seniors who don’t own cars.

All municipalities should be consulting with people who use mobility scooters and wheelchairs about how bike-and-roll routes can be truly welcoming for all ages and abilities.

Eric Doherty and Jane Welton
Climate Justice Team Co-leads,
Greater Victoria Acting Together
www.timescolonist.com/opinion/letters-oct-14-inefficient-medical-appointments-consider-living-in-campbell-river-this-spot-needs-a-pedestrian-overpass-7684106