This column is written as correspondence between Byron the Bicyclist and Patty the Pedestrian
Dear Patty:
Do you know that it pays to go to work in many European countries? It is not just at work but if you cycle to work.
In Belgium, the incentive is $0.37 per kilometre; the Netherlands pays $0.29 while France compensates $0.39. (€1.00 = CDN$1.55) Italy, France, Spain and the United Kingdom also have incentives. The source and method of compensation varies; some employers pay directly.
Employers need their employees to have good health. A University of Glasgow study suggests biking instead of a non-active commute might reduce your risk of developing cancer and heart disease by almost half. (Source: https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/archiveofnews/2017/may/headline_522765_en.html) Active transportation improves life.
As I cycled to work for 30 years, I can attest to good heart workouts. Adding an occasional lunchtime bike ride was even better; it brought me back to work invigorated both physically and mentally. My mind was much sharper.
Having the fresh wind blow through my hair was a bonus.
Signed; Byron the Bicyclist
Dear Byron:
Ah, yes, fresh air! Walking, like cycling is good medicine.
But what about safer ways to cycle or walk? Some drivers tell me they drive because they don’t feel safe walking or cycling. Reasons vary from lack of sidewalks or trails to drivers not “seeing” pedestrians. Injury from getting hit by a vehicle is also a health risk.
Williams Lake is nearing completion of an active transportation plan to help address this. When complete, council needs to decide if it will approve the plan. If it does, the work should begin to physically build safer travel for both walkers and cyclists.
You should not have to get paid to cycle. The physical and mental benefits are great enough. But it needs to be much safer.
Signed; Patty the Pedestrian
Bert Groenenberg is a pedestrian, cyclist and motorist.
