81 replies to this topic

[Boges]

A mother gets hit by a truck in Toronto a few weeks ago. Tragic loss of life. But by no means does it warrant a piece of legislation like this.

Toronto NDP MP Olivia Chow met on Monday with the family of a cyclist killed earlier this month to push for a law that would require side guards on large trucks.

The issue made headlines earlier this month when 38-year-old Jenna Morrison died after she was clipped by a truck and pushed under the back wheels on Dundas Street West at Sterling Road.

Her death triggered an outpouring of grief from Toronto cyclists, who held a memorial ride in her honour.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/11/28/chow-truck-side-guards.html

Anyone have any evidence that cyclists are more dangerous now than ever before? Every time a cyclist gets hit by a car it's like they were a saint. Remember that lunatic Darcy Sheppard that decided to attack former Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant and ended up getting run over. He was treated like a saint by the cyclist movement.

We're constantly reminded that murder rates are down so extra efforts for crime and punishment is fear mongering. Double standard?

Edited by Boges, 29 November 2011 - 10:50 AM.

[guyser]

A mother gets hit by a truck in Toronto a few weeks ago. Tragic loss of life. But by no means does it warrant a piece of legislation like this.

Probably why it wont get implemented.

Every time a cyclist gets hit by a car it's like they were a saint. Remember that lunatic Darcy Sheppard that decided to attack for Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant and ended up getting run over. He was treated like a saint by the cyclist movement.

Correction, he was a Saint amongst the courier , idiot cyclist,anarchist crowd.

[olp1fan]

Because it is Jack Layton's widow and Jack was big into bicycling and protecting bicyclists

[eyeball]

Probably why it wont get implemented.

That's probably what the trucking industry in Britain said before it was implemented there.

[sharkman]

I saw this militant cyclist attitude first hand while working temporarily in Regina. There were about 1200 employees and efforts were made by management to ensure cyclist safety. Since cyclists were riding to work in the dark and almost getting hit, management attempted to hand out reflective vests to the cyclists. One co-worker cyclist became visible angered that such a request was made to him, that he wear a vest in the dark. I guess he'd rather get hit so he could reach cycle sainthood or something.

Another very strange cycle story is that in Regina they ride bicycles in the middle of freaking winter. I am not making this up. Stupidist thing I have ever seen. Oh, and they feel they own the road whether they're on a bike or walking. I had numerous pedestrians just step off the curb in front of me so I had to brake to avoid hitting them. Jaywalking completely and glaring at me like I'm at some kind of fault. I think these same flatlanders move to BC and get hit regularly.

Edited by sharkman, 29 November 2011 - 12:00 PM.

[Black Dog]

A mother gets hit by a truck in Toronto a few weeks ago. Tragic loss of life. But by no means does it warrant a piece of legislation like this.

Why not, exactly?

Anyone have any evidence that cyclists are more dangerous now than ever before? Every time a cyclist gets hit by a car it's like they were a saint. Remember that lunatic Darcy Sheppard that decided to attack former Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant and ended up getting run over. He was treated like a saint by the cyclist movement.

What's your point?

We're constantly reminded that murder rates are down so extra efforts for crime and punishment is fear mongering. Double standard?

No, it's apples and oranges.

[cybercoma]

Because cycling promotes a healthy lifestyle and is much better for the environment that driving. The violence many of you show for people who are trying to do things differently, trying to create a better world through their actions is ridiculous. If not outright promoting this as a better means of tranportation, the very least we can do is be accommodating.

[cybercoma]

And the divisive rhetoric here does nothing for discussion.

Cyclists are not sacred or militant.

The problem is that bylaws require cyclists to use the roads and not the sidewalks, then jerks in vehicles don't give the bike-riders the space that they're legally required to use.

[sharkman]

Because cycling promotes a healthy lifestyle and is much better for the environment that driving. The violence many of you show for people who are trying to do things differently, trying to create a better world through their actions is ridiculous. If not outright promoting this as a better means of tranportation, the very least we can do is be accommodating.

In your first line, you start it with 'because'. I guess I missed it, what question are you answering? Also, what violence is being shown to cyclists by many of us?

What do you think of the co-working cyclist I mentioned who got visibly angered at having to wear a vest for his safety in the dark?

[Wilber]

The problem is that bylaws require cyclists to use the roads and not the sidewalks, then jerks in vehicles don't give the bike-riders the space that they're legally required to use.

Cyclists are also required to follow the rules of the road as though they are vehicles. Unfortunately, too many don't.

[Black Dog]

In your first line, you start it with 'because'. I guess I missed it, what question are you answering?

Read the thread title.

What do you think of the co-working cyclist I mentioned who got visibly angered at having to wear a vest for his safety in the dark?

I dunno: why don't you tell us why he was angry and not give us your own biased interpretation. ("I guess he'd rather get hit so he could reach cycle sainthood or something.")

[Black Dog]

Cyclists are also required to follow the rules of the road as though they are vehicles. Unfortunately, too many don't.

Same goes for drivers.

[jacee]

A mother gets hit by a truck in Toronto a few weeks ago. Tragic loss of life. But by no means does it warrant a piece of legislation like this.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/11/28/chow-truck-side-guards.html

Anyone have any evidence that cyclists are more dangerous now than ever before?

I think you mean "in more danger", and the answer is obviously that there are more adults riding bicycles these days, resulting in more accidents. This is especially true as some drivers (like Michael Bryant) are becoming increasingly aggressive toward cyclists (as in this thread), and are less willing to accommodate the increased numbers, and the fact that cyclists insist on their right to the road: They are often commuting or working too, and do have a right to be there.

I like the idea of sideguards on trucks. Makes total sense to me. Also keeping big trucks off city streets as much as possible.

Cyclists are becoming more numerous all the time, and we have to address the safety issues.

[Wilber]

Same goes for drivers.

From what I see, drivers are more likely to than cyclists. For instance, from the way they act, I don't think many cyclists realize that if they ride their bike in a crosswalk, they are a vehicle, not a pedestrian and do not have the right of way.

[eyeball]

Cyclists are also required to follow the rules of the road as though they are vehicles. Unfortunately, too many don't.

Apparently there are arguments as to why different rules should apply.

I've heard of jurisdictions experimenting with things like allowing cyclists to regard stop lights as yield signs because doing so prevents congestion by keeping the traffic flowing.

Personally I think the answer is dedicated lanes and smart cars slaved to computerized automated traffic systems. Of course I live 100 miles form the nearest traffic light on an old dirt road so...take that with a grain of grit I guess.