I couldn’t imagine there would be an assumption that speeding in Powell River is limited to Joyce Avenue as it seemed to be suggested in a recent Peak story [“Ratepayers in Powell River want traffic to slow on Joyce Avenue,” June 26].
There was an impressive group that gathered at the site to discuss this issue and some ideas such as flashing lights were discussed. Perhaps we could attract such a group to view some of the streets in Cranberry as well, to make it clear that the problem is not localized.
We did receive the city’s cooperation in the establishing of new and much-needed speed zones recently but as in the case of Joyce Avenue, the real problem is that no one is paying attention to them.
There is a general disregard for traffic laws in all of Powell River, not just in Westview. Every day I see drivers barely slowing down for stop signs and driving at extreme speed throughout our community, at high speed through child crossing zones and park speed zones, and I shake my head at such disregard for the well-being of anyone else who may be using the same street.
It isn’t just about flaunting the law and getting away with it; it’s about putting everyone in danger. There has to be a realization that driving is a privilege and that traffic laws are there for safety, not to be ignored. Just because there is not a police presence shouldn’t provide a pass to ignore good behaviour.
And it isn’t limited to any one driving group. I see everyone from youth to seniors, and of both sexes tearing up our streets with equal vigor. Let’s all take a breath and slow down; life is short, don’t flout safe behaviour just to arrive a couple of minutes earlier.
And by the way, Cranberry Ratepayers are alive and well in Cranberry and now that COVID-19 is on the run we are eager to get back to our regular meeting schedule starting in September. Watch for announcements of meeting dates.
Jerry Eskes
Park Avenue
