Exclusive cycling facilities are abundant and well used in Montreal.
There have been too many tragic accidents lately in Ottawa – and other cities/towns I’m sure – involving vehicular traffic and cyclists.
In particular, my daughter’s friend and former work colleague was killed in a collision with a City of Gatineau bus on Sussex Drive in Ottawa. This location has a cycling facility that is shared with a exclusive bus lane. Sounds like a bad mix to me and perhaps another accident waiting to happen.
Full story in the Ottawa Citizen
On July 21, a 22-year-old cyclist died two days later of head injuries after being struck by a car while riding on Ogilvie Road. Police determined that the cyclist drifted out of the bike lane into the roadway. He was also not wearing a helmet.
Just two days before that crash, five cyclists were struck by a minivan in a hit-and-run on March Road. The collision resulted in serious injuries for most of those cyclists.
I travel to Montreal frequently to visit family and I notice that city accommodates cyclists very well at least in the downtown core. The cycling infrastructure is integrated into the entire transportation system. Cycling facilities are separated on major streets with curbs, pavement markings and special traffic signals at intersections. The system is used by thousands of cyclists and pedestrians have to be careful and look both ways for motorized vehicles and cyclists when crossing the street.
While not an avid cyclist, I certainly believe that it’s about time we recognized bicycling as a legitimate mode of transportation with dedicated bike lanes and parking wherever possible. World Changing is an organization dedicated to covering the world’s most innovative solutions to the planet’s problems, inspiring readers around the world with stories of new tools, models and ideas for building a bright green future.
A recent post on their website (Bike-frastructure 101: Sharrows, Street Parking, Superhighways and More) is an excellent video, graphical and general informational tour of cycling facilities in many large cities around the world including the Bixi system used in Montreal.
CentreLine: In an increasingly ‘green-conscious’ world there will only be two kinds of mayors: those who are implementing bike amenities and bike-sharing programs, and those who plan to do so soon.
Tags: Bixi, cycling facility, World Changing