Dear Editor,

In regards to the June 28 fatality on Ryan Road, it would be interesting to know how many other fatalities and traffic accidents have occurred on that specific stretch over the past few years.

I live next to it and witness vehicles routinely race up that road, sometimes travelling at speeds up to 200 kph. With Comox Road about to be reduced to one lane and increased traffic on Ryan, this means the likelihood of even more accidents and fatalities very shortly.

The speeding, along with increased noise and air pollution from what is now a freeway, prompted me to write a letter to the city mayor and councillors last year. Only one councillor responded, saying that it would be brought up at the next meeting with the RCMP. I'm not sure if that conversation happened, but clearly, nothing has been done. 

We need sound barriers along the road, sidewalks for pedestrians and some method of traffic control, or increased traffic patrol, to reduce speeding. Forget the pedestrian bridge for now and spend the money doing something to increase safety and reduce noise and air pollution from that highway. It is unbearable and it鈥檚 unsafe.

City council allowed all the new development up the hill but to the detriment of all of us who live below, to pedestrians and to other drivers who actually drive the speed limit and are trying to safely arrive at their destination. Something needs to be done!

Regards,

Shelley Kean

Courtenay