I dunno, I just don't agree with this article...
Accident sparks call for changes to cycling laws, bylaws
WATERLOO REGION — A pileup of cyclists that injured some riders after they were passed by an SUV in Wellesley Township highlights the need for changes to local and provincial laws, says the head of a provincial cycling advocacy organization.
Eleanor McMahon, of The Share the Road Coalition, said the township needs to scrap its bylaw that bans cyclists from riding side-by-side and the province needs to pass a law that keeps drivers at least one metre away from cyclists.
Here is where I say... all vehicles that are impeding traffic should pull to the side.. and not be beside another slow moving vehicle.. and the cyclist should stay 1 m away from CAR lanes.
or within a marked bicycle lane , not side by side ,,, BESIDE a marked bicycle lane.. in the CAR lane!
McMahon was reacting to the careless driving charge against a 59-year-old Waterloo man who was behind the wheel of an SUV pulling a horse trailer on Hessen Strasse south of Heidelberg on June 19.
As the SUV passed a group of 15 to 20 cyclists, some of the riders fell off their bikes and four were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The driver is also charged with failing to avoid a collision with a bicycle.
The SUV driver didn't HIT the cyclists.. one of them lost their balance and fell into the others causing the domino effect ,,, because they ride side by side.... not staggered,, or single file... but...<sarcasm> we need to change the way everyone else uses the road...</sarcasm>
Two cyclists are also charged — a 44-year-old from Waterloo and a 36-year-old from Kitchener. They are charged with failing to move to the right when overtaken, and riding side-by-side.
Yippeee!
McMahon said Wellesley Township should follow the lead of the City of Toronto, which recently scrapped its bylaw that bans side-by-side riding.
"Local ordinances that prohibit riding two abreast are a little bit misguided," McMahon said.
Many municipalities, including Kitchener, have bylaws that ban side-by-side riding. Cyclists say it increases their safety because it makes them more visible to cars,
Buuull S.hit ! and riding abreast makes it easier for vehicles to pass, not harder.
really? explain,,,!?
It is more dangerous to pass a line of 20 cyclists riding in single file rather than 20 cyclists riding side-by-side in two lines of 10, McMahon says. "It is better to have a row of 10 that motorists can pass and get around provided they are clear to pass and it is safe to pass, than a row of 20 cyclists."
Ah... why not pass a law that NO MORE THAN 4 cyclists can travel together..
When a driver approaches a group of cyclists from behind, the best option is to be patient and wait for a safe place to pass, McMahon said.
LMAO! ,,, yah,, change human nature! by putting a 400 lb bike in the way of a 4000 lb car with an enraged driver... hahahah... then say,, be patient,, calm down,,RELAX MAN! .. wait for a safe place to pass
"Their responsibility is much greater because the vehicle they are driving could kill someone. We need respect on both sides here. We need motorists to be patient, especially when they are towing a trailer."
The Share the Road Coalition partnered with the New Democratic Party to draft a private member's bill for a one-metre passing law in Ontario. That bill was introduced in the legislature, received second reading, but died when the last Ontario election was called.
"We are hoping to bring that legislation back to legislature in the fall," McMahon said.
An Ontario coroner's report on cycling fatalities recommended a one-metre-passing law. The Share the Road Coalition has no intention of dropping the issue.
"Motorists need to understand their burden of responsibility," McMahon said. "You cannot pull out to pass, even though you are impatient and frustrated, if you don't have enough room."
cyclist need to understand there is laws regarding obstructing traffic for a reason..
The scenic rural roads in Waterloo Region are increasingly popular with cyclists. On June 19, the Waterloo Region Cycling Club was leading a novice ride when the accident occurred.
The club has used these roads for years to train and produce elite riders.
Maybe the club should get their own training facilities,,,
Instead of celebrating these achievements, the township passed a bylaw that calls for riding in single file, said Peter Dedes, a club member, former provincial champion and former professional rider.
Good for the Township ! and they should pass more! as it is clearly unsafe to have cyclists so close to cars... and until bike paths are funded and placed.. then cyclists should NOT be allowed on the roads,, no matter how beautiful they are.. [the roads that is]
The combination of rolling hills, quaint villages and beautiful countryside makes for great training rides, Dedes said, and he grew up training on those roads.
"Those roads have become a draw for tri-athletes, but also recreational riders who are just looking to get out in the country," Dedes said. "These roads are spectacular."
As the number of cyclists has steadily increased on the rural roads, the resentment increased among people living in the townships.
"There never used to be signs telling cyclists to ride in single file on any of those roads," Dedes said.
City riders just need to get out in the country... after the city has spent millions building bike paths.. and bike lanes, and education, and marketing... etc...
lets park our cars on their paths and make a fuss ... that it is safer because no cyclists use the paved paths...
tpender@therecord.com
