May. 26, 2010 - Issue #762: Timeland
Vuepoint
Roads for all
Cyclists are outraged after the charges against Michael Bryant were dropped this past week. Ontario's former auditor general had been charged with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death after an altercation with a cyclist resulting in Bryant dragging the cyclist for several feet. There's much to be made of the inequalities in our justice system that led to Bryant's case not going to trial, but it also points to a lack of respect and understanding for cyclists on the road.The Bryant case combined with the three cyclists killed in Montréal only a few weeks ago and the vision of a crumpled bike under the LRT this past week reveals not only the current danger in cycling as a mode of transportation, but the lack of attention and concern drivers have for their impacts on the road. Roadways are becoming much more dynamic and as sustainability demands greater alternative modes of transport drivers need to be prepared to become much more attentive and accepting of often slower and smaller drivers.
Cyclists have worked to change this attitude with by holding Critical Masses across Canadian cities, attempting to prove cyclists are legitimate vehicles on the road. But it's not only the attitudes of drivers that have to change. City councillors and planners need to understand the importance of integrating speed limits, medians, and bike paths specifically built for road bikes to ensure cyclists are safe.Cyclists in North America are twice as likely to be killed as in Germany and three times as in the Netherlands despite much higher commuter cycling rates in Europe. Research suggests this is primarily because roadway construction integrates infrastructure for commuting cyclists, constructing medians and separate, paved bike lanes. When asked in 2005, Edmontonians responded overwhelmingly that the single thing that would get them cycling more would be roadways constructed for cycling, and Edmonton's bike plan on the books encourages greater construction of bike lanes. Let's hope that, for the health of our cyclists and the environment, they dedicate the resources to keeping cyclists safe.
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