Stephen Rees's blog

The latest upgrade of the seawall from Granville Island to Hinge Park is now open. The separation between bicycles and pedestrians has been greatly improved, and the experience of walking on this path is much better. However, there are still people who do not appreciate what they need to do to make it conflict free.

For a start, the sort of pedestrian who simply wanders, oblivious of others, and pays no attention to signs or paviours.

Groups of people, who think their simple number gives them some kind of priority.

Cyclists who want to break their personal best time.

People who do not fit into either category of “on foot” or “on bike” – wheelchairs, rollerblades (one of whom was pushing a sort of racing basinette/SUV) – they don’t know which side they are supposed to use.

Very young children who have just had the training wheels taken off their bikes. (Actually they are doing fine: it’s the “adults” who are the issue. )

While there is not nearly as much dodging and weaving going on, most of the probable collisions are avoided more by luck than forethought. To the MAMILs I would say, why ride at speed into a blind bend on a path used by a lot of people, some of whom may be unpredictable?

I am also a bit disappointed about the lack of foresight shown by the engineers who designed the drainage. Guys, you need to think of the next twenty years, not the last twenty years, when it comes to rainfall.

Really good, strong white concrete line and contrast in surfaces: failing paint is not going to be an issue. I know the problems that bollards cause – but could you consider a raised curb? Or something tactile?

Is that sign actually necessary?

There needs to be something here to intercept the water/mud streaming down the slope. And you do not want the soil washing into the creek!

And this is a mess!

This is better!