Editor:
I would like to question the wisdom behind the decision to carpet the intersection of 152 Street and 16 Avenue pedestrian sidewalks with interlocking bricks.
They are unsafe, uneven and a threat to public safety.
On Friday, Feb. 25 at about 4:15 p.m., my best friend, who needs a motorized scooter for mobility, grazed a tree root in the middle of the sidewalk and flipped her vehicle, sending her body onto 152 Street.
Luckily, she thinks she’s OK, just shaken up.
I need to thank all of the citizens who came to her aid and rendered assistance, whomever you all are. We both are very grateful to you.
I think she should have called 911, but we are both reluctant to have interactions with the public-health system except in extreme circumstances.
Myself, I manage on foot, but when I look south on Johnston Road – the curves and angles, the telephone poles and trees in the middle of sidewalks – it reminds me of the illustrations in the Dr. Seuss series.
The City of White Rock must have safe infrastructure for people on foot. I have heard of scooter people tipping over prior to this incident, so I am sure the city must have litigation pending in regards to these issues, as the sidewalks are generally deplorable – more of an obstacle course, really. If a person has visual deficits, they are in big trouble here.
I myself will soon need a scooter. Will I tip over and sustain perhaps a head impact? I find walking in this town a challenge at the best of times.
I think White Rock was designed more for the comfort of the automobile than that of its pedestrian citizens. Although you can never please everyone, this is a topic that should be brought forth for debate.
I will leave it there as I have said my words to the community at large. I know that budgets have to be considered regarding all social planning, but as we all age, this problem will only intensify unless a responsible solution is implemented.
Brian Lohnes, White Rock