Busway Plan Includes Bike, Pedestrian Trails

Re “MTA Board Accepts Busway on Chandler,” July 27: Including a bike path along the proposed Chandler bus route is one of the plan’s most attractive features.

Bicycling is, unquestionably, the most environmentally friendly, as well as physically and emotionally healthful, of transportation alternatives. Yet its proponents are second-class citizens in Los Angeles. Cycling from the west to the central San Fernando Valley exposes the rider to heavily traveled streets, devoid of even contiguous bike lanes, let alone dedicated paths. Contending with distracted and speeding motorists leaves those of us determined to lessen CO2 emissions and U.S. dependence on foreign oil at great risk. The new bus route is a move in the right direction.

Don Malvin

Canoga Park

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I don’t see any reason the residents along the Chandler corridor can object to the busway. The right of way has been there since 1893, when the railroad tracks were laid. The Red Cars joined the right of way in 1938. The buses will not be as noisy as the railroad or streetcars. It’s going to be a 25-foot-wide pavement with grass and trees on both sides. There will also be some bicycle and pedestrian trails. And just think, we will be able to go from one side of the Valley to the other in less than 30 minutes.

Ken Kaitschuck

North Hollywood

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I can’t believe that L.A. is repeating the colossal mistake of the last century when oil companies, car manufacturers and others colluded to destroy rail in Los Angeles to make Americans dependent on the car. You are mistaken to vote on buses.

Robert A. Martin

San Mateo