LETTER: Cycling infrastructure impedes traffic on major Saanich routes
Published 6:30 am Sunday, February 15, 2026
Erik Beerepoot’s recent letter concerning cycling in Saanich along the Quadra corridor contains significant fallacies. I have lived in the north Quadra area for 30 years and cycle as a main means of transportation, for exercise, and enjoyment.
The recent letter states that “a look at a map of the north Quadra area” shows that the surrounding residential streets do not connect through and that there is no continuous north-south street parallel to Quadra in this corridor. But, speaking from extensive experience, this does not mean that there are no such cycling routes available.
I happily and readily cycle in all directions in this area, going north, south, east and west. Luckily, many of the streets which, on a map, may not appear to be connected are, in fact, connected by pathways and parks. And these provide cycling through-routes by which I, and others, readily and easily travel to local shopping malls, residences, past schools and to many other destinations within the area and far beyond – Gordon Head, downtown, etc.
I know these routes intimately since I cycle them often. I avoid riding along Quadra due to the volume and speed of the vehicle traffic there. There are many obvious benefits to riding along side street routes – they are calmer, fewer cars improve safety, there is sufficient space for both cars and bikes – leaving one with the opportunity to greet and acknowledge pedestrians, other cyclists, dog walkers and the like. And not breathe exhaust (cough, cough).
I am a driver as well, when needing to transport grandchildren or bulky items. After riding my bike all over Greater Victoria since the early 1970s, I urge for some common sense – can we please avoid putting cycling infrastructure that impedes vehicle traffic on major routes unless absolutely necessary?
There are other and likely less expensive options in most cases. I am hopeful that Saanich’s Neighbourhood Bikeways project and other similar initiatives, along with frustrated vehicle drivers’ pushback, will bring some moderation and reason into transportation discussions.
Kevin Neary
Saanich