Pedestrian safety
I live in the Black Point area where we are bereft of sidewalks [“Padgett bicycle lane welcome,” October 30, 2013]. I take my dog for a walk at least once a day, mostly twice a day. At some point I walk at the side of the road. I have noticed many of the other pedestrians not observing what I consider to be save pedestrian practice. I should point out that the statistics are correct—it is most likely to be a male who is not following the rules.
1. Always walk on the side facing oncoming traffic. In this country, this is the left-hand side.
2. Make eye contact, if possible, with the driver.
3. Wear light-coloured clothing, preferably containing some reflective material. Carry a torch/flashlight at night.
4. Be especially wary when under the influence of alcohol, et cetera.
All pedestrians should understand that:
• Drivers do not intend to hit pedestrians.
• Some drivers have been known to use phones, navigation aids, spill coffee, et cetera, while driving. If you can see them coming, you may be able to take appropriate measures.
• On a dark night with little or no street lighting, especially if it is raining and there are reflections off the road, seeing someone dressed in dark clothing at the side of the road is not always easy for drivers.
• Some vehicles, especially hybrids, make minimal engine noise. You may not hear them approaching you from behind.
These suggestions are not new, but people forget them. For more pedestrian safety tips, search the Internet.
Dave Loveluck
Serendipity Road
Smart meter nonsense
I am in receipt of BC Hydro’s letter regarding the smart meter “choices” offered to us, the consuming public. In my opinion, this amounts to extortion, pure and simple [“Film explores controversy around smart meters,” November 20].
We had one of the jewels of power production in this province at one time with clean and affordable energy provided at reasonable cost to all residents. It provided good public revenue for infrastructure expansion as necessary. Since BC Hydro and the government have seen fit to “fix” this, where no fixing was necessary or warranted, rates have skyrocketed, service has plummeted, and the future of BC Hydro is questionable at best.
As BC Hydro has managed to have the “independent” BC Utilities Commission pre-rule in its favour, we are stuck with it. However, I do say, I will make it as difficult for BC Hydro as I can. How this commission can be called independent when its findings are ordered by BC Hydro and the government is beyond me. It strikes me as bafflegab, and outright lies and that is being kind in my feelings.
It is truly sad how so few people can wreak so much destruction on a once fine organization in such a short period of time. It tells me this is intentional, and meant to benefit a very few very wealthy people at the expense of all other citizens.
Cameron Bailey
Huntingdon Street
A call of human duty
Thank you for your excellent Christmas editorial called Peace in Perspective [December 23, 2013].
It’s so important for us who live in such an incredibly privileged place to keep in mind the countless millions who live in unimaginable misery, especially children and families in war zones.
Wars often occur in places where basic necessities are scarce. Like Mahatma Gandhi said, “Earth provides enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.”
The United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals still call to us, especially goals like these: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, and achieve universal primary education around the world.
May 2014 be the year when Powell River puts peace into perspective and we recognize our human duty of compassion for so many situations of suffering around the world. Our world is too small, or rather too connected nowadays, for us to ignore the immense suffering of all our fellow creatures on earth.
Adela Torchia
Dorval Avenue
