Cycling Outside Waterloo Region

[jamincan]

That group is certainly riding poorly; occupying two lanes is inexcusable, as is blowing through stop signs. I strongly feel, however, that riding two-abreast is both safer for a group of cyclists, and less disruptive for motorists. Lets say that group was riding single file on the edge of the road. Could the motorist safely pass then? If there was a gap in oncoming traffic so that she could move into the oncoming lane, yes, but that is equally true when riding two-abreast, except that she doesn't require as large of a gap to safely pass the group. The only thing they are stopping her from doing is squeezing by while there is oncoming traffic and making an unsafe, and illegal here in Ontario, pass. She might feel she can safely do that, but no cyclist will agree with her. From her spot in the drivers seat she is going to naturally want to make more space for the oncoming car, and so encroach further on the cyclists, likely driving them off the road.

For what it's worth, here in Waterloo Region, you are allowed to ride two-abreast. Wellesley and Woolwich Townships have by-laws against it, but WRPS consider the behavior consistent with the HTA and don't enforce those by-laws. The safety benefits for the group should be reason enough.