My family and I have lived on Salmon River Road for the past six years. In that time, we’ve witnessed a significant and continuous increase in traffic. Unfortunately, this growth has come at the cost of safety for local residents — particularly families with children.

The current conditions make it extremely difficult and dangerous for families to walk, bike, or allow their children to travel safely, even for short distances. There is little to no shoulder in many areas, and no designated path for pedestrians or cyclists. I have personally lost two beloved dogs to reckless driving, and I regularly witness vehicles speeding past pedestrians, cyclists, and even stopped school buses — sometimes ignoring the activated stop signs entirely.

My family is very active. My children often use their electric scooters to visit friends in town. I ride an electric bike and pull my daughter in a Thule trailer. We also enjoy walking and running with our dog. However, every outing feels like a risk. Drivers frequently pass us at high speeds, fail to move over, and even make hostile gestures or shout at us to “get off the road.” This behavior is not only unsafe — it is unacceptable.

Despite signage along Salmon River Road encouraging drivers to “Share the Road” with horseback riders, walkers, farm vehicles, and cyclists, compliance is extremely low. The reality is that this road is no longer safe for anything other than fast-moving vehicles — and that must change.

I am urging the city of spallumcheen and local decision-makers to consider the implementation of a dedicated walking and biking path along Salmon River Road. This is a family-oriented area, and we deserve infrastructure that supports safe, healthy, and accessible transportation for everyone — not just motorists.

Our community needs a solution before another tragedy occurs. Please help us make Salmon River Road safer for all.