Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw the attention of both Guyanese road users, the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Public Works to the dangers of vehicles encroaching on the pedal- and motorcyclist-designated lanes on our gazetted roadways. During peak traffic hours 6–8 AM and 3–8 PM, it has become increasingly common for cars, canters, and lorries to form a third lane on what are essentially two-lane roads. In doing so, these vehicles occupy the lanes intended for cyclists and motorcyclists, forcing riders into dangerously narrow spaces, hemmed in by larger vehicles on both sides.
This is not simply a matter of inconvenience or poor road etiquette; it is a serious public health and safety hazard. Riders are left exposed to concentrated exhaust fumes at close range. Research conducted by British Columbia found that inhaling exhaust can alter human brain connectivity within minutes, impairing the connectivity systems responsible for memory and work performance. Other studies have linked traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) to pulmonary disease, respiratory illness, and inflammation. The chemicals released from vehicles, including carbon monoxide, are directly harmful to human health.
Furthermore, the narrow, cramped spaces created when vehicles encroach on cycle lanes pose a serious risk not only to the lives of riders but also, to the safety of other road users. Riders are forced into precarious positions that increase the likelihood of accidents, while motorists risk scraping or colliding with other vehicles in the tight lanes. Such incidents can result in costly repairs and medical expenses, an additional burden in an already challenging economic climate. The misuse of cycle lanes as “third lanes” is not just a traffic management issue, it is quite literally endangering lives!
I urge both the authorities, particularly the Ministry of Public Works, to mandate contractors to build roads that properly accommodate cyclists. Mounds are used in other countries to separate and protect riders. Lastly, I urge ALL road users to treat this matter with urgency, use your designated lanes, and preserve the health and safety of those who depend on them.
Yours truly,
Lydia Roberts
