This column is written as imaginary correspondence between Byron the Bicyclist and Patty the Pedestrian
Dear Patty,
A month ago, we both attended the Active Transportation Summit in New Westminster. In my 40-minute walk to the conference location, I noticed the host city’s own streets. Instead of through streets and stop streets, there were many small landscaped traffic roundabouts.
This both slows traffic and means fewer drivers and cyclists have to come to a complete stop at intersections. They felt safer for pedestrians, as traffic was calmed.
What did you notice, Byron?
Signed; Patty the Pedestrian
Dear Patty.
From where I stayed, it was close enough that I could bike there. Some of their roads had separated bike lanes. Yes! At the conference, I was welcomed by a bike valet; it was sweet!
Here is some of what I learned.
In planning active transportation, local Indigenous communities need to be included from the beginning. This builds goodwill and, overall, makes a better plan.
Active transportation routes need to connect to public transit so people can move from one mode to the other. It could be from bus to Skytrain to rental bicycle, all on the same ticket. It makes life both more livable, affordable and equitable.
For our children, safer streets mean they have greater freedom to move including walking or biking to school. This independence is shown to support development and learning.
One Australian study found that a cycling lane made by just a painting a line at the side of the road does not significantly improve safety.
When a vehicle hits a person, slower speed and a low vehicle front end decreases the chance of serious injury or death.
I was recharged by presenters and people sharing the successes and challenges in their communities.
It is time to share it to those at home!
Signed; Byron the Bicyclist
Bert Groenenberg is a cyclist, pedestrian and motorist living in Williams Lake for over 30 years.
