07-12-2015, 12:30 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-12-2015, 12:34 PM by Elmira Guy.)
Let me make a couple of things clear so that no one gets the wrong idea or feels as though I'm attacking them.
I'm well aware that the majority of cyclists are not thoughtless and inconsiderate while riding. Just like motorists and pedestrians, it is a minority who behave improperly.
I am also all in favour of improved infrastructure for cyclists. I don't see cycling as a better or more noble form of transportation, but it's as legitimate as any other form and the necessary systems should be in place to permit it's use.
I don't agree though with the position that people who ride around on crappy bikes, jumping curves and weaving through and around traffic and people aren't true cyclists. If you're on a bike, you're a cyclist just as you're a motorist if you're behind the wheel of a motorised vehicle on the road.
If there were sufficiently widened paths that would permit both cyclists and pedestrians (in designated areas/lanes) I would have no objections to that. But until such time, I think it too dangerous to everyone (especially pedestrians) to have cyclists using sidewalks. Being afraid to bike on the street is a legitimate concern, but that shouldn't be used as justification for biking down a sidewalk, especially at speed. Couldn't the same rationale be used for someone on a moped or motorized scooter who chooses to ride on a sidewalk? There are less busy routes one can take. Maybe not always as direct, but that's how it is for all of us, especially those of us who use transit. If you're afraid of driving on the 401, take hwy 7. My point is there are always alternatives.
So... I'm not opposed to cyclists.
I support improved infrastructure for cycling,
I'm aware that the vast majority of cyclists are considerate riders.
But they do not belong on the sidewalk any more than a mobility scooter belongs on the road.
I'm well aware that the majority of cyclists are not thoughtless and inconsiderate while riding. Just like motorists and pedestrians, it is a minority who behave improperly.
I am also all in favour of improved infrastructure for cyclists. I don't see cycling as a better or more noble form of transportation, but it's as legitimate as any other form and the necessary systems should be in place to permit it's use.
I don't agree though with the position that people who ride around on crappy bikes, jumping curves and weaving through and around traffic and people aren't true cyclists. If you're on a bike, you're a cyclist just as you're a motorist if you're behind the wheel of a motorised vehicle on the road.
If there were sufficiently widened paths that would permit both cyclists and pedestrians (in designated areas/lanes) I would have no objections to that. But until such time, I think it too dangerous to everyone (especially pedestrians) to have cyclists using sidewalks. Being afraid to bike on the street is a legitimate concern, but that shouldn't be used as justification for biking down a sidewalk, especially at speed. Couldn't the same rationale be used for someone on a moped or motorized scooter who chooses to ride on a sidewalk? There are less busy routes one can take. Maybe not always as direct, but that's how it is for all of us, especially those of us who use transit. If you're afraid of driving on the 401, take hwy 7. My point is there are always alternatives.
So... I'm not opposed to cyclists.
I support improved infrastructure for cycling,
I'm aware that the vast majority of cyclists are considerate riders.
But they do not belong on the sidewalk any more than a mobility scooter belongs on the road.