Comments on: It’s my road too

By: Tanya

Tanya — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:39:36 +0000

Hi – just found your blog through google. I don’t envy you commuting by bicycle in London – my boyfriend and I rode through there when we went on a bike tour from Toronto to Pelee island and back, and drivers seemed pretty clued out how to interact among cyclists. At least in t.dot though everyone is filled with road rage they are used to seeing daily vehicular cyclists (or should be).

By: Phronk

Phronk — Sat, 16 May 2009 22:23:30 +0000

Interesting. I’d find that argument much more convincing than the one about style and cultural change.

Did it take accident seriousness into account though?

And of course correlation isn’t causation. It may be that the safest bikers are the ones who tend to ride on the road.

Still, good stuff.

By: Karolijn

Karolijn — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:00:42 +0000

It’s interesting that you mention that. I was just doing a bit of research for another post recently and found some studies on the frequency of accidents involving cyclists. On a per-km basis, you are SIGNIFICANTLY more likely to be involved in an accident riding on the sidewalk than anywhere else.

Bike lanes on the road come in as the most safe.

When you’re on the sidealk, cars don’t see you. And if you’re on minor side-streets, they’re probably not even looking for you.

It might feel a bit safer but I honestly believe it’s a false – and dangerous sense of security that needs to be heavily discouraged.

By: Phronk

Phronk — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:15:05 +0000

You are right of course, and it would be really nice if all drivers respected bikers and all bikers stayed off the sidewalk. But the fact is that, currently, in London Ontario, there are roads where it is not safe to bike. Maybe this is selfish, but I’m not willing to sacrifice my life to contribute to a vague idea of future cycling stylishness. The immediate benefit (not dying) and lack of harm (being careful that pedestrians don’t even know I’m there) are most important at the current time, and there are more effective ways of bringing about a large societal change. I do everything I can to avoid major roads and engaging in this minor moral transgression, but I don’t think it’s as horrible as some other driver/biker/pedestrian behaviour that goes on.

By: Pedestrian Apartheid | brianfrank.ca

Pedestrian Apartheid | brianfrank.ca — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:16:54 +0000

[...] It was great to see informed and balanced discussion in London’s blogosphere last week, even (or especially) as London seems to have a proudly xenophobic ”me drive car, you get out of way” culture that begrudges people on bikes and makes life miserable for them. [...]

By: Pat

Pat — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:54:41 +0000

Really, all of this boils down to sheer ignorance. I actually doubt many of the bikers know it is against the law to ride on the sidewalk. This is very likely because police in London are awful at, well, policing.

If anyone ever came to close to me, I would remember their license plate, bike as hard as I can to catch them at the next red light, and kick their headlight out. I’ve always wanted to do that. haha

By: Derek Silva

Derek Silva — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:13:36 +0000

Great post and a great point! As someone who has been a transit user, pedestrian, bike rider and now a driver I can bring the perspective of all different types.

It’s really horrendous how many people don’t realize that bikes are SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE ROAD, not on the sidewalk. “Safer” or not, that’s where it’s supposed to be.

Since we’re supposed to be known as the Forest City, and all of the related connotations that brings with it, maybe the city of London should embark on a short but thorough campaign to promote bike riding a bit more? And use some of the infrastructure money we’re getting to put in even more bike paths, especially on main roads.

By: Karolijn

Karolijn — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:13:03 +0000

A loop video recorder on the handlebars would be a good accessory

By: Carmi

Carmi — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:04:12 +0000

Amen to that. On my way home from donating blood yesterday, I was riding nicely in the right-hand lane on Wonderland northbound when the ever-so-helpful driver of a black Dodge Avenger took time out of his day to concretely inform me that I was transgressing on his God-given right to use the entire road.

He made sure to pass me with mere inches to spare, and honked his horn just as he reached me. He topped it all off with a one-finger salute.

I’m on my bike virtually every day, and something like this happens almost every time I’m out. It amazes me how much power people think they have when they’re surrounded by 3,500 pounds of steel and glass.

By: Online London - 2009/05/03 - From My Bottom Step

Online London - 2009/05/03 - From My Bottom Step — Sun, 03 May 2009 07:11:53 +0000

[...] you think deserves inclusion in this weekly roundup? Let me know! Carnival of satire #113 It’s my road too London’s social media mafia Make sure you say thanks to Mom on Sunday Sweet treats Tickle the [...]