(08-16-2021, 12:08 PM)Acitta Wrote: We are not going to get there quickly, but at least we are making progress, especially in Waterloo Region. It requires a massive cultural shift, which can't happen overnight. The Netherlands became the cycling paradise that it is because of widespread cultural support. Even car drivers there also cycle and their families cycle to school or to the shops. Here, too many car drivers can't understand why anyone would want to cycle or walk anywhere, and get annoyed at the very existence of cyclists and pedestrians.
Not sure it's just a cultural shift that's needed: we need a climate shift (our winters are brutally cold) and a topography shift as it is brutal as well. Compared to The Netherlands - mostly flat and temperate year round.
Should be noted too that car ownership in the Netherlands has increased: in 1992 42% were car free, now it's 25% car free. KM driven per year in the Netherlands is 13,000 vs 15,000 in Canada. That's remarkable considering how vast Canada is vs The Netherlands (the geography is insanely different).
I also don't believe that many car drivers are annoyed at cyclists or pedestrians. Perhaps it seems that way at times when people jay-walk/ignore lights and cyclists ignore road rules (just like car drivers do). Personally, when I am driving or walking anywhere, I noticed just about everyone (is 90% too high? Nah, it's 90%) on the road (or sidewalk) has zero respect for road (and pedestrian) rules and personal safety. That means everyone. Very few are professional "walkers/runners", "bikers", or "drivers".
What is needed is respect for each other, not matter the choice of travel. Each has its place. I dislike the hate every has for each other, and it makes zero sense.