Re: City of Chilliwack bans cyclists and equestrians from sections of Vedder Rotary Trail
My husband and I are regular users of the entire Valley Greenway Loop both as pedestrians and cyclists. We use this network of trails up to three times a week throughout the year.
We are deeply disappointed with the recent decision to block cyclists from the north and south side trails from Lickman to Keith Wilson. These particular sections are the least used and most enjoyable for cyclists as riders are in the woods and protected from the wind. Cycling on the dikes can be particularly challenging on blustery days. Social distancing along the areas in question is simply not an issue.
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For the record, we have rarely had an altercation while biking the entire Rotary Trail loop. In point of fact, we have been repeatedly impressed by the courteous interactions we have had with others over hundreds of kilometres of riding.
We are left wondering how this particular decision was reached. Were cyclists asked their opinions in this matter? Was this simply complaint driven?
As one of the co-chairs of Cycle Chilliwack, I make a point of regularly noting the usage of our community’s cycling infrastructure and it has been so encouraging to see the growing number of cycling families using these trails for recreation during this difficult period in our lives. On any day, there are literally dozens of new cyclists exploring all sections of this network. It seems nonsensical to be limiting access to the less used portions of this popular trail system at this time. I would respectfully ask that this decision be immediately reconsidered.
Jennifer Douglas