Letter: Nelson Street bridge misses mark on cycling safety

As a multimodal transportation enthusiast and long-time resident of Sudbury, I was initially encouraged by the promise of an improved Nelson Street pedestrian bridge in our community. 

However, the newly unveiled redesign has left me — and many others in the cycling community — disappointed and frustrated. Despite years of advocacy for inclusive infrastructure, it seems that once again, critical design decisions are being made without meaningful input from those who rely on these spaces the most.

The redesign of the Nelson Street bridge fails to address a fundamental need: accessible and safe off-ramps for cyclists. 

Instead, the city appears to be relying on fences to manage liability rather than sound planning that prioritizes accessibility and safety. These fences may protect the city from lawsuits, but they do nothing to promote safe, sustainable transportation. 

For users — especially those with heavy loads, mobility impairments or those navigating winter conditions — being forced into a west-side detour or awkward dismounts isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a deterrent.

Adding to this frustration is the city’s inaction on other critical infrastructure needs. For years, I’ve been advocating for a simple crosswalk on the three-kilometer stretch of Howey Drive, a busy road that poses a serious safety risk to pedestrians. Yet there’s been no progress. 

This raises the question: What exactly is the city’s strategy for improving mobility and safety? From ignoring basic pedestrian needs to delivering flawed infrastructure for cyclists, it’s hard to see a coherent plan at work.

Meanwhile, the long-proposed Elgin Greenway, a visionary project first floated over a decade ago, remains stuck in limbo. At the same time, this neighbourhood has seen an explosion of residential developments, inevitably leading to increased traffic. 

Poorly conceived designs like the pedestrian bridge, coupled with a lack of safe pedestrian crossings, will only exacerbate the problem. These issues underscore the urgent need for infrastructure that genuinely supports non-motorized transportation.

Would such glaring oversights and delays be tolerated if our neighbourhood were wealthier, better organized, or had more direct access to decision-makers? I doubt it. 

Instead, it feels like our community’s needs are routinely ignored, with decisions made by those who neither live here nor fully understand the daily realities of getting around without a car.

Having lived in cities like Edmonton, I know what’s possible even in harsh climates. With thoughtful planning and genuine community engagement, cities can implement infrastructure that serves all users year-round. 

Sudbury has the same potential, but only if it listens to its residents and adheres to the principles outlined in the still-active Sustainable Mobility Advisory Plan.

Sustainable mobility isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a commitment to meaningful action. Let’s stop cutting corners and start building a city that works for everyone.

Niall Williams
Greater Sudbury