“Unfortunately, I cannot risk my life riding my bike on the street, It’s too dangerous out there.
Cyclists risk their lives by riding on major roadways, says a city councillor who’s pushing for changes that would allow two-wheelers on some sidewalks.
Coun. Amarjeet Sohi said he bikes on multi-use trails whenever possible, but admits he sometimes pedals on sidewalks as well, which is illegal under city rules.
“Unfortunately, I cannot risk my life riding my bike on the street,” Sohi said. “It’s too dangerous out there.
“I like to bike. I bike to meetings in my ward, so what option do I have? I ride on the sidewalk.”
He asked city administration to look into allowing bicycles on those sidewalks that run along arterial and collector roads.
The request for information was passed by the transportation and public works committee of council.
Audra Jones, the city’s director of sustainable transportation, said it would be a fairly easy change to make.
Under the current laws, only children’s bikes are allowed on sidewalks.
But she also said there hasn’t been a big push from the cycling community for such changes.
Sohi’s proposed changes would exclude downtown and Whyte Avenue sidewalks, which the councillor stressed are not places for cyclists because of heavy pedestrian traffic.
Sohi said he’s never had a close-call with a motorist while on his bike.
“I only ride on the road where the road is wide enough and traffic volume is very low.”
Coun. Don Iveson said streets need to be made safer for cyclists so they don’t feel they have to use sidewalks.
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August 27th, 2009 - 07:43
This is not Toronto, right? There is a Whyte Ave. in Edmonton, so I am guessing there… Damn straight it is scary to ride a bike there! H
August 30th, 2009 - 17:11
Great idea. Every shoe who lives on carlectors and carterials is obligated to bike or motor.
Gramma gonna go DOWN she walker over dere.
Hey. We’ve been through this crap again and again and again. Motorists have responsibilities and among them is tolerating other entitled road users. That they don’t says something about the motor vehicle lobby (congratulations you out of control sons of bitches), the constabulary (hey guys. you are bought. when ever assault with a motor vehicle is written off as a kid falling off their bike while ignoring the sames testimony that says a great deal), the judicial system and bought representatives.
WHEN I’m hit by an asshat and the city has a window to sue of 7 days and I’m in hospital for all of that time where does that leave me to act?
WHEN I’m hit and can’t find the animal who did it and am limited to 2 years to act, who benefits?
I was hit. I’m out of pocket. The insurance insidioustry protects the animal who used their motor vehicle as a weapon in mutilating me.
I was self employed. There is no EI for me. But so it goes. Screw the victim.
August 31st, 2009 - 10:24
This argument is heard around the world, how about the law being firmly on the side of the pedestrian, “any accident between bike and walker on sidewalk the bike owner/cyclist is fined $100″ or suitable local amounts. No discussion.
I’d be happy to cycle like that, round here 99% of paths are empty 99% of the time.
If you ride safe and away from people everyone is safe.
As a UK resident I can see moves towards a high visibility reg number on bike frames so complaints and injured parties have identity evidence.