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LETTER: Too many tar snakes

In my opinion, the City of Abbotsford has allowed far too many tar strips to be applied to local roads of late...

Tar snakes, as they are referred to by motorcyclists, are a very real danger, especially in summer months when the tar strips become hot and very slippery for motorcycle tires. I have slipped on a few recently myself while trying to avoid the larger ones.

In my opinion, the City of Abbotsford has allowed far too many tar strips to be applied to local roads of late.

Tar strips going across the lane would not pose as significant a hazard for motorcyclists as the tire would make contact for only a short period of time, but with the countless number of strips being applied, and in the direction of traffic, it causes huge problems when trying to manoeuvre a motorcycle. You literally have to pick your path along the lane, constantly as you go, to try and avoid them as much as possible. Add to this a curve, and you have significantly compounded the danger.

I am not sure if this issue has been thoroughly thought through as to how it might impact motorcycles, which it most certainly does.

I ask that this serious safety issue be brought forward and discussed, at every level, in an effort to keep motorcyclists as safe as possible on our roads.

June Olson

Abbotsford