Bike Crashes

Well the past week here in Canada has been flooded with news about the incident in Toronto involving a bike courier and a high profile former politico. Had the driver in this altercation involved Joe or Jane Normal, there very likely would have been a single column in the local newspapers with a follow-up report of the victim's identity. The only people that likely would have cared would be those in the cycling community especially those that face these dangers everyday.

With this being as high profile a case as it is now this may lead to more change in the respect that cyclists should get in their commute. I am not placing any blame on either combatant in this case. The cyclist was drunk and his judgment was impaired enough to hang on to a vehicle. The driver, likely fearing for his life, though there was only one way to try to avoid the incident and that was to try to "shake" the cyclist. Unfortunately, it led to the worst consequence of all.

The need for more safe, direct and accessible routes for cycling commuters to take to their daily tasks is becoming necessary in North America. By forcing cyclists to take the "long way" on a commute that is already extended by the fact that they are cycling anyways, causes cyclists to make some of the decisions they make.

Why should I as a cyclist have to ride down a narrow piece of dirt single track on my ride to work? Why can't there be a path or lane dedicated for other users that allows me to more enjoy my ride. I am sure if drivers in the city had to drive 1 or 2 kms everyday on their way to / from work on a non-maintained piece of roadway their would be an uproar. They would not put up with having to detour one or two blocks out of their way. Cyclists have to do this everyday. The ones that don't do this are called aggressive by the drivers and thus face, being pushed or squeezed in the lane.

I think the unfortunate circumstances in T.O. earlier this week could have been avoided. With some political will from all levels of government and to stand-up and recognize the growing demand for better cycling infrastructure maybe one day we can all share the road and help to bring more sustainability to our cities.