LETTER – Few pedestrians use the new walkway in Westmount

Dear Armchair Mayor,

There has been talk about both the 6th Avenue bike lane and also the new pedestrian walkway along Westsyde Road between Westmount Drive and the intersection at Batchelor Heights.  For those who may not be familiar with the new pedestrian walkway, I have attached a photo of it with this email.

A few mornings during the recent period of cold weather, I took public transit.  This photo was taken one of those mornings.  There have never been very many pedestrians using this new walkway regardless of what time of day I have been at that bus stop or have driven by on Westsyde Road.  I don’t think the reason is that people are particularly afraid of using the pathway.  Most folks just use the sidewalk that has been on the other side of Westsyde Road for many years.

Could this too be an example of the “AAP” or “All Available Pedestrians” mindset?  I’m not sure but perhaps the copious number of mule deer in the Westmount area appreciate the new lights which mark the edge of Westsyde Road.

JOHN NOAKES,
Citizen of Westmount