Re: Time to take back our streets, PNR Oct. 9.
Jennifer Margison and Jim Henshall make the most telling point in their letter — going slowly is more beneficial for business than any increase in vehicle traffic volume.
Not only have many major European cities found this to be true after creating pedestrian-only malls in their central shopping districts, but in both Ottawa and Whistler we have examples of the advantages that accrue from such conversions. And, equally to the point, none of them have contemplated reverting back to allowing vehicles on those streets again once they were established as pedestrian-friendly walkways.
It is unfortunate that here in North America we seem to be so wedded to the use of automobiles that when discussing improvements in road systems, we can only think in terms of making it more convenient for those behind the wheel.
For the most commercial interaction between shoppers and businesses, we need to think of how best to use our main street other than just whether it should be one way or two way for vehicles.
Danny and Marjorie Daniels
Sidney