Cycling in Waterloo Region

[Acitta]

I've been looking at the satellite photos of Northfield over the Expressway, and I must admit that I just don't see away to do that bike lane any differently.

The first time I rode that, it was a harrowing experience. However, I have noticed more recently that motorists seem to anticipate the turn and change to the proper lane sooner, rather than make a last second crossing of the bike lane. In fact, last year I went there with a sports camera on my bike and repeatedly rode that section trying to get a good video of a near-death experience and failed because the drivers were driving relatively safely. It is, however, the most cyclist unfriendly bike lane in the region. Although any road with highway on and off ramps is not very cyclist friendly. If you are going to ride there, be sure to have a good mirror on your bike or helmet, not to mention a willingness to risk certain death. Cycling King St. from the Sportsworld area towards the Freeport bridge can be harrowing since you have to ride on the line separating the lane going to the Hwy 8 on ramp and the lane going straight with speeding cars going by you on both lanes. There is not even the pretense of a bike lane there.