I wrote this after seeing this article from CHEKNews about visitors wondering why it was so dangerous in the Park, “Pedestrians cross the highway at Cathedral Grove after vehicles in both directions stop for them, causing honking from other vehicles nearby”, what an embarrassment!
Dear Editor (and Minister Todd Stone),
Since what seems like the dawn of the age of cars we have had a debate about Cathedral Grove. I’ve been driving the road for 30 years, including nineteen commuting to and from Nanaimo. If anyone wants to get home as quickly as possible, it’s me, but safety is the limiter.
It is time for proper traffic control. Yes, I mean a stop light (serviced with BC Hydro power). We need to end the expectation that cars have the right to go through Cathedral Grove as quickly as possible and pedestrians must do their best imitation of the old Frogger video game without getting squished by an oncoming vehicle.
The lights should be placed at the ends of the parking lot so that when active, pedestrians as well as cars parked there, have an opportunity to move across and in and out of the lot.
While they’re at it, bring back the speed bumps that were effective at slowing people down during the summer months. I know some people will complain loudly, but I would much rather that than a resident or visitor being killed by an impatient fool honking their horn in their car or truck.
Sincerely
Chris Alemany
P.S. A complementary solution:
Reduce the number of commuters and tourists using vehicles on the road by having public transit and the Island Railway serve the park.