This is an imaginary conversation between Patty the Pedestrian and Byron the Bicyclist.
Dear Patty.
“Depicted here is a history of three eras of firefighting.”
This was the quote when pointing to the mural on the side of the Williams Lake Arts Centre facing City Hall.
It was a beautiful sunny fall Saturday when Streets for All Williams Lake organized a Critical Mass Art Tour. The tour of murals was one of several local events during B.C.’s Fall Go by Bike Weeks.
Another mural, this one at the side of End of The Roll, depicts the four parts of our economy: ranching, logging mining and tourism.
About 26 people did the tour by bike, push scooter, or walking.
Some murals depict actual people in our history. One is titled Mercantile, located across the lane from TELUS on 3rd Avenue South. Others are depicted at the back of Mr. Mikes and the side of Station House Gallery. (To learn more, go to downtownwilliamslake.com and look for Mural Tour.)
It got me to thinking, Patty, that we rush around too much. We might glance at but not really take in the historical beauty of our community. If we slow down by walking and biking from place to place, we will learn and appreciate our town more.
Biking and walking calm us down and gives our bodies exercise and fresh air. Simply slowing down is good mental health practice.
Signed, Byron the Bicyclist
Dear Byron.
I agree with you about our mental and physical health.
Personally, I prefer walking as it is slower than biking and safer too. Walking rather than driving allows me to take in smaller things like a flower in bloom or the fall leaves on the ground.
We do live too fast. Yes, let us slow down and better explore our town.
Signed; Patty the Pedestrian
Bert Groenenberg has been biking for over 60 years.
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