Letter to the Editor - Four wheels only? |27 April 2017

I recently travelled along the newly constructed ‘Northern Highway’ and was struck by the wonderful chances new roads provide us with.  Would this not be a golden opportunity for the government to construct a double-lane cycle track all the way from Anse Etoile to Victoria?  We read of the obesity crisis in our country, plans to provide healthier options for our youth within various districts – what better way than to provide a cheap and safe means of travel for those who prefer two wheels?

Children on bikes abound in Seychelles but as we have no safe cycle lanes, despite the lobbying by various cycling associations, this remains a hazardous pursuit. 

So why not design a parallel cycle route for any cyclist who wishes to do some valuable exercise to and from work?  For the children who wish to have safe fun after school (or even to go to school) and during the holidays? And maybe for families who wish to go out together or go for a picnic by the new beaches on the ‘comblage’? 

‘Nobody would use a cycle track’, I hear you scoff, but maybe…… given the opportunity….

By the same token, if we wish to instill healthier habits in our population, why not go the whole hog and actually start to plan cycle lanes wherever there is the possibility? For example, there is a side road running all the way to the airport, under the shady casuarinas and away from the main ‘Southern Highway’ – a quick and safe way to school, or to work in Victoria?  And would anyone mind carving a thin slice from the Esplanade for cyclists to use, away from the heavy, jammed traffic ?

Of course, one thing leads to another – just imagine a cycle track somewhere on the reclamation where people could learn how to ride in safety, learn the Cyclists Highway Code, receive certificates on completion and actually start to enjoy cycling in our beautiful country?  Cycling helmets, fluorescent jackets or bands, cycle repair shops, picnic areas way from smelly traffic…. Wow!

Dream big, they say, well – I can think of quite a few people who would enjoy exploring their country on a weekend – maybe less the mountainous routes (my sentiments!) but who knows where safe cycling lanes could lead us?

So, instead of covering more and more of our country in asphalt and bowing to the tin chariots of war and their road rage…. please give us some quiet, safe cycling paths? Future generations might bless you!

Michelle Harter

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this letter are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.