Dear editor,

I was excited to hear that Courtenay will build a small bridge for cyclists and pedestrians; and I love the design!

There are so many good reasons for this bridge - safety for our car-free residents being the primary one, but it will also be an attraction for visitors as well as helping to cut down the traffic on the vehicle bridge. It might encourage more people to park their cars and walk, which would be good for the environment as well as their health. I, for one, will be happy to be able to cycle into the downtown without risking my life.

Of course, there will be those who think the money might be better spent on other priorities. For them, I鈥檒l suggest an alternative: close the 5th St. Bridge to vehicles and make it for cyclists and pedestrians only. After all, there are two alternative approaches to the downtown for those who need to drive.

We are fortunate to live in a place with a mild climate, and we should be taking full advantage of that by parking the car and getting out in the fresh air.

Jane Sproull Thomson,

Courtenay