I've read with interest the debate surrounding the proposed bike lanes on Laurier.
I believe without question that Ottawa needs greater bike infrastructure, and therefore fully support an east-west bike lane through Centretown.
It makes sense from a safety, a health, and a quality-of-life perspective.
Most forward-looking cities are implementing bike lanes – why should Ottawa be left behind?
Where I do think there is room for compromise with those in the business community opposing the lane is the location. As a cyclist, I am not concerned whether a bike lane is located on Laurier, or Somerset, or another east-west street – so long as there is an east-west route available.
But let's not lose the forest for the trees – we should aim for compromise on the location of a bike lane, but not on the idea of the importance of bike lanes themselves.
A little common sense would go a long way to addressing existing concerns – lets seek that compromise, and make greater bike infrastructure in Centretown a reality.
Jeff Morrison
Nepean Street