Re: Cycling on sidewalks
I wholeheartedly support the stance taken by city councillor Stephen Chase on the issue of cyclists on city sidewalks: that more needs to be done to reduce this dangerous practice.
Councillor Kelly suggests we need a study to get the full picture on whether sidewalks could be shared with cyclists and skateboarders. But we don't need a study to know that a mix of fast-moving bicycles and foot traffic is dangerous.
One wonders why the city has spent all that money on providing safe cycle lanes if the sidewalk was an adequate, safe alternative.
Last year I raised the issue of non-enforcement of the city bylaw with Police Chief MacKnight stemming from two collisions (I have been clipped by a handlebar and a foot peddle) and one near-collision of my car with a speeding cyclist as I slowly reversed out of a shared driveway.
I do not think I am an unusual 'cycle magnet,' so I suspect that others in the downtown and university hill areas may have had similar experiences.
I was very disappointed to see the measure of the so-called enforcement that Chief MacKnight mentioned would happen. Just six tickets and 15 warnings in six months. This has clearly had little effect of deterrence, as I observed three cyclists on the sidewalk during a 10-minute walk to the FREX on Saturday.
Many times police cruise by sidewalk cyclists without issuing warnings.
I echo Counc. Chase's desire for better enforcement of the bylaw, and increases in fine occurrences as a deterrent measure, in conjunction with a raised general and campus awareness campaign.
Patrolling should include campus arterial routes too.
James Whitehead
Showing posts with label Sidewalk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sidewalk. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sidewalk Cycling - Daily Gleaner
Two city councillors are on opposite sides of the page when it comes to biking on public sidewalks.
Coun. Stephen Chase wants to protect the safety of pedestrians by stepping up police enforcement, but Coun. Stephen Kelly would like to explore ways to allow shared usage of city sidewalks.
Since January to the end of August, the Fredericton Police Force has stepped up its enforcement efforts.
Police Chief Barry MacKnight said under the city's bylaw, tickets can be issued for not wearing helmets while cycling. There were 201 municipal tickets issued for the first half of the year, 19 of which were prosecutions and the rest were written warnings issued by the city's park patrol.
There were 15 municipal bylaw notices issued for riding a bicycle on a sidewalk. Six involved fines.
Under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act, 33 people were handed tickets for riding on the sidewalk or not wearing helmets. Nine were prosecutions.
"Since there is still a pretty high incidence of people riding sidewalks on downtown sidewalks - and I want to emphasize that my concern is downtown where we have a lot of pedestrian traffic, frequently seniors and in some cases the sidewalks are restricted with the (restaurant) terraces in the summer - we should step up our effort with public education or issuing warnings," Chase said.
But Kelly isn't in favour of clamping down on cyclists who use the city sidewalks to get around the downtown.
In fact, he's asking the city's transportation committee chairman, Coun. Bruce Grandy, to let him raise the topic of a sidewalk sharing policy that would embrace not just bicyclists, but also skateboarders and people on inline skates.
"I am not sure how widespread this problem or issue may be, but I am interested in learning more about shared usage of City of Fredericton sidewalks with bikes, boards and blades, and would like to request a staff report that would provide the committee with some background on the subject. In particular, what other cities are doing in our area, any legal issues that we should know about and what staff would see as the pros and cons associated with the issue and possible options and resource requirements if applicable," Kelly said.
"I am not suggesting we would support moving forward on the issue, but I think it's important we have the information we need should we want to go in any particular direction. I realize I am asking our staff to take on another report and they are busy, so perhaps this request could be put in the queue and staff could report back when they have had time to consider the issue."
Coun. Stephen Chase wants to protect the safety of pedestrians by stepping up police enforcement, but Coun. Stephen Kelly would like to explore ways to allow shared usage of city sidewalks.
Since January to the end of August, the Fredericton Police Force has stepped up its enforcement efforts.
Police Chief Barry MacKnight said under the city's bylaw, tickets can be issued for not wearing helmets while cycling. There were 201 municipal tickets issued for the first half of the year, 19 of which were prosecutions and the rest were written warnings issued by the city's park patrol.
There were 15 municipal bylaw notices issued for riding a bicycle on a sidewalk. Six involved fines.
Under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act, 33 people were handed tickets for riding on the sidewalk or not wearing helmets. Nine were prosecutions.
"Since there is still a pretty high incidence of people riding sidewalks on downtown sidewalks - and I want to emphasize that my concern is downtown where we have a lot of pedestrian traffic, frequently seniors and in some cases the sidewalks are restricted with the (restaurant) terraces in the summer - we should step up our effort with public education or issuing warnings," Chase said.
But Kelly isn't in favour of clamping down on cyclists who use the city sidewalks to get around the downtown.
In fact, he's asking the city's transportation committee chairman, Coun. Bruce Grandy, to let him raise the topic of a sidewalk sharing policy that would embrace not just bicyclists, but also skateboarders and people on inline skates.
"I am not sure how widespread this problem or issue may be, but I am interested in learning more about shared usage of City of Fredericton sidewalks with bikes, boards and blades, and would like to request a staff report that would provide the committee with some background on the subject. In particular, what other cities are doing in our area, any legal issues that we should know about and what staff would see as the pros and cons associated with the issue and possible options and resource requirements if applicable," Kelly said.
"I am not suggesting we would support moving forward on the issue, but I think it's important we have the information we need should we want to go in any particular direction. I realize I am asking our staff to take on another report and they are busy, so perhaps this request could be put in the queue and staff could report back when they have had time to consider the issue."
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Problem With Fredericton Traffic Lights
Next month, Fredericton is installing a bicycle-sensing traffic light at the York/Montgomery intersection, which is just one intersection. What about the other several hundred intersections? A few of the older intersections still use underground, metal detecting* activated lights which are completely hopeless to a cyclist since they require a minimum of half a tonne of metal to activate the lights. For instance the Cliffe/Union Street intersection still uses the underground sensors. You can see in the pavement a faint rectangle where the wires are located. The metal of the vehicle triggers the lights to change.
Today's modern traffic lights use a motion sensor activated light. As the name suggest, when a car passes in its vision, it tells the light that there is a car waiting to cross. These lights are more efficient and accurate, but their sensitivity isn't strong enough to pick up cyclists or even motorbikes. Many new signalized and upgraded intersections in Fredericton have this type of light.
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| Note the black lines where the wires are located. |
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| The black sensor on top of the light is aimed at the centre of the facing lane. |
It would easier for cyclists if bicycle actuated lights were implemented at the major intersections, but I think a simple button would be easier. For instance, this style of light is common on many Vancouver streets. For now, city cyclists will just have to hang behind a car or dismount and use the pedestrian lights.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Fredericton Bixi Bikes?
Fredericton’s downtown is not known for the immense amount of cyclists. Well, on the streets that is... Every Frederictonian knows the problem of sidewalk cyclists. Why is it such a problem? Could the by-law officers do a better job? It doesn’t help that we’re also lacking infrastructure downtown. The only routes remotely close are The Green and Church Street. With the lack of cyclists on streets, could this be increased by a bike share program like Bixi? In order for this system to work, Fredericton must first invest in infrastructure on downtown streets.
Currently, there are four cities in Canada that have a Bixi Bike Program: Montréal, Toronto, Ottawa/Gatineau and London. Could Fredericton benefit from this program? I think yes! Even though our population is off by a couple million compared to Canada’s major urban centres, it has the potential to be successful. Could we convince citizens, tourists or businessmen/women to rent out a bike instead of renting an expensive SUV? A program like this would be great for people who: cannot afford to buy a bicycle, use one a few times a year or are commuters. Do you think it's feasible? Watch an instructional video below on how the system works.
Currently, there are four cities in Canada that have a Bixi Bike Program: Montréal, Toronto, Ottawa/Gatineau and London. Could Fredericton benefit from this program? I think yes! Even though our population is off by a couple million compared to Canada’s major urban centres, it has the potential to be successful. Could we convince citizens, tourists or businessmen/women to rent out a bike instead of renting an expensive SUV? A program like this would be great for people who: cannot afford to buy a bicycle, use one a few times a year or are commuters. Do you think it's feasible? Watch an instructional video below on how the system works.
We all know about the problem of hills in our fair city. Yes, they look fantastic anaesthetically, but they are a nightmare to any cyclist- except downhill! That's why I think to anyone using a Bixi Bike should have free access to transit. So instead of cycling up York Street and getting all hot and sweaty for a meeting or work; rent a bike from downtown, hop on a bus and bike to your destination uptown!
It is such a great possibility, and it would only upset the motorists who have never sat their backsides on a bicycle their entire life. What do you think?
Friday, July 29, 2011
Redesigning Fredericton's Downtown
Downtown Fredericton streets were originally designed in the mid 1700's with horses and buggies in mind. Cars and bicycles were not an issue until they became popular in the late 1800's. In the beginning, cars just went whatever way they felt like. Then came the dawn of traffic signs and policemen directing traffic. Finally, the modern traffic light. I feel like history has repeated itself and we are back to going whichever way we want… Every hundred years, it feels like the streets start to get narrower and narrower. This is due to bigger cars, more people and the ever increasing need for parking. Currently Queen, King and Brunswick Streets are at a maximum three lanes wide. Two lanes are for moving traffic, and one for parking or turning lanes.
I understand there is not a lot of room for manoeuvrability in the downtown core in terms of road space, but I think a few inches could be spared? I have said before that all bike lanes in the city end 50 metres or more before an intersection. The idea is to force cyclists to move into traffic so motorists would not suddenly turn right and run them over. I have provided solutions through Plan A and Plan B.
I understand there is not a lot of room for manoeuvrability in the downtown core in terms of road space, but I think a few inches could be spared? I have said before that all bike lanes in the city end 50 metres or more before an intersection. The idea is to force cyclists to move into traffic so motorists would not suddenly turn right and run them over. I have provided solutions through Plan A and Plan B.
Plan A Queen Street
As you can see, the bicycle lane is painted blue for added visibility. This would only be required 100 metres before and after an intersection. A dotted white line through the bike lane provides an opening for right turning traffic. Cars must yield to cyclists already in the bike lane. This style of bike lane would run from Church Street to Northumberland Street. The separated lane would improve speed and safety for cyclists through the downtown, especially during the rush hours.
Plan B Queen Street
If space is an issue, a designated Bus, Taxi, Charter, Emergency Vehicle and Bicycle lane would be provided in the right lane of Queen Street. The lane would be painted a maroon colour or paved with a mix of sandstone pavement. This lane would require to be widened slightly so these special service vehicles can move around cyclists. Special service vehicles wanting to turn left or right would use the regular lanes. Dotted white lines provide and opening for regular vehicles to turn right. This type of lane would run from Church Street and end on York Street. From York Street to Northumberland Street, the use of Plan A would be required. The designated lane (Plane B)would have hours from 5am to midnight. From midnight to 5am, regular vehicles would be permitted to drive in the lane.
You may have noticed, "Well, this is an excellent West-bound corridor, but what if I wanted to go East?" Brunswick Street is most likely the widest downtown street. Parking is banned for its entire length, except on Sundays, thus making it excellent for a bike lane. The plan for Brunswick Street is quite similar to Plan A for Queen Street, minus the parking stalls. Again, the lane is painted blue and dotted white lines provide an opening for cars to turn left, and cars entering mid-block from Kings Place Garage or Brunswick Garage. This style of lane would run from the Woodstock/Smythe/King/Brunswick intersection all the way to Church Street, travelling the furthest left lane. The lane would preferably be on the left, due to the majority of the bicycle traffic turning left to the downtown core.
Brunswick Street
Plan A/B (This pic is borrowed from Active Transportation Fredericton)
Please note, these are all theoretical solutions, and none of them are or may never be official.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Cyclists Concerned Over Parking in Bike Lanes
Some Fredericton cyclists are raising safety concerns over the city's decision to allow vehicles to park in some of its new bike lanes.
Cyclists in the capital city will have nine more bike lanes to use by the end of the year.
Todd Young is one of many Fredericton cyclists who use the city's streets and trails every day.
Young said he believes the city is smart to add the new bike lanes.
But Young said he is worried that some of the bike lanes are open to vehicle parking.
"That creates the chance for cyclists to have to swerve around a car, and a car could be coming from behind or whatnot too," Young said.
"So it just creates an unnecessary danger for cyclists."
The city will have 45 kilometres of bike lanes by the end of 2011.
Cars will be able to park in about nine kilometres of the city's bike lanes, which are all located in residential neighbourhoods.
Darren Charters, the city's traffic engineer, said it's necessary to have parking available on one side of the street in those residential areas.
"To go in to a residential neighbourhood and remove all the on street parking would be very difficult for the residents," Charters said.
Charters said from a safety perspective, the city is comfortable with the decision because there is less traffic in those areas and vehicles tend to go slower.
"On the rare occasions where folks are parked on the street, cyclists can easily go out and around those parked vehicles," Charters said.
Cyclists in the capital city will have nine more bike lanes to use by the end of the year.
Todd Young is one of many Fredericton cyclists who use the city's streets and trails every day.
Young said he believes the city is smart to add the new bike lanes.
But Young said he is worried that some of the bike lanes are open to vehicle parking.
"That creates the chance for cyclists to have to swerve around a car, and a car could be coming from behind or whatnot too," Young said.
"So it just creates an unnecessary danger for cyclists."
The city will have 45 kilometres of bike lanes by the end of 2011.
Cars will be able to park in about nine kilometres of the city's bike lanes, which are all located in residential neighbourhoods.
Darren Charters, the city's traffic engineer, said it's necessary to have parking available on one side of the street in those residential areas.
"To go in to a residential neighbourhood and remove all the on street parking would be very difficult for the residents," Charters said.
Charters said from a safety perspective, the city is comfortable with the decision because there is less traffic in those areas and vehicles tend to go slower.
"On the rare occasions where folks are parked on the street, cyclists can easily go out and around those parked vehicles," Charters said.
Keep this momentum going everyone!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Bicycle Infrastructure Ain't Cheap
Good news everyone! I have found a map, outlined in the Active Transportation Trailway Master Plan and Brookside, Royal, MacLaren, Hanwell and Rookwood are all outlined for a planned bicycle route. If only I can get definite answers from a reputable source, but judging by what I found on the map, they are most likely going to be bike lanes.
It's funny- these bike lanes have only been around for a month, but cyclists have already adapted to using them, yet they are not even official. It just goes to show, if you paint a few lines on the street that look like a bike lane, cyclists will use them. I have also noticed the increase of bicycles on the trails and bike lanes this year. Either it is because of the nice weather, a green dream come true or even due to the Princess Margaret Bridge closure. I hope when the bridge re-opens on September 5th, that we don't fall into old habits, but keep up this new habit.
You may think it is relatively cheap to build and sustain a bicycle culture, but it is actually quite expensive! Cities like Copenhagen or Montréal must invest millions, just to keep current infrastructure up to par. Here are some facts about the bicycle revolution here in Fredericton:
It's funny- these bike lanes have only been around for a month, but cyclists have already adapted to using them, yet they are not even official. It just goes to show, if you paint a few lines on the street that look like a bike lane, cyclists will use them. I have also noticed the increase of bicycles on the trails and bike lanes this year. Either it is because of the nice weather, a green dream come true or even due to the Princess Margaret Bridge closure. I hope when the bridge re-opens on September 5th, that we don't fall into old habits, but keep up this new habit.
(Bike lane with bicycle marker)
You may think it is relatively cheap to build and sustain a bicycle culture, but it is actually quite expensive! Cities like Copenhagen or Montréal must invest millions, just to keep current infrastructure up to par. Here are some facts about the bicycle revolution here in Fredericton:
- For every kilometre of bike lane, it costs roughly $20, 000 to paint both sides of the road.
- To erect signs costs $150 per sign and there are eight signs needed per kilometre.
- To construct a brand new trail costs $150, 000 per kilometre with a paved surface.
- A steel pedestrian bridge over Route 8 from Skyline Acres to UNB would cost almost $1.3 million.
- Asphalt trails are needed for high traffic areas such as The Green, Lincoln, Valley and Northside Trails. The asphalt will last roughly 15 years with yearly maintenance. It costs $45, 000 to pave each kilometre.
- A bridge over the Carleton Street piers would cost almost $3.8 million plus pier refurbishments!
- Almost 2, 200 people cross the Bill Thorpe Bridge each day! Impressive, considering the size of the city.
- 70 kilometres of the city trail system lays on old railway bed, saving us millions in construction costs.
(Crushed gravel surface trail | Bridge over the Little Nashwaak)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Sidewalk Bicycle Plague in Fredericton
It seems to be a plague this year with the amount of bicycles on sidewalks. I have been hearing reports left, right and centre about it! Obviously this is an issue that needs to be addressed. You may have noticed that I haven’t blogged for almost two weeks. The first week, I was visiting family and friends. The second week? I was hit by a cyclist on a sidewalk. This resulted in multiple injuries of twisting my knee cap and dislocating my elbow and shoulder. You should see the other guy... As much as I love seeing so many cyclists out and about in Fredericton, I do not want to see them on the sidewalks! City Police are “cracking down” on sidewalk cyclists, handing out warnings and $50 tickets. I think they need to up their game and advertise a little more. Maybe one solution would be to add turn stiles on the sidewalk?
The other day (before my injury) I was cycling on the Douglas Avenue bike lane and saw a man cycling on the sidewalk instead of the perfectly useable bike lane. The city spends thousands of dollars building bike lanes for us, the least we could do is use them and prove that we need them.
An exception to bicycles on the sidewalk are children. Under the age of 12, they should be allowed to use the sidewalk for safety reasons. For one, they are still probably learning to use their bike properly and second, they are no match for keeping up with traffic and being seen on the road. There is absolutely no excuse for an adult cyclist to be using the sidewalk.
It doesn’t help when motorists don’t respect cyclists. In the past few months, respect has grown by a massive percentage. 85% of motorists take care of cyclists on the road! The 15% that could give a s--t what happens to you are the ones with massive trucks with tires that raise the body two metres off the ground and accelerate so hard they leave a cloud of fumes that choke you to death. They’re probably just trying to make up for something they lack in the pants? I am grateful for the motorists that respect me and my fellow cyclists and pedestrians. Please consider that it is a several tonne vehicle against a few hundred pound cyclist.
Also, there has not been any news (at least that I’ve heard) about the white lines popping up on the streets. I’m still guessing they’re going to be bike lanes, just not officially announced yet. If you have any information, feel free to comment!
The other day (before my injury) I was cycling on the Douglas Avenue bike lane and saw a man cycling on the sidewalk instead of the perfectly useable bike lane. The city spends thousands of dollars building bike lanes for us, the least we could do is use them and prove that we need them.
An exception to bicycles on the sidewalk are children. Under the age of 12, they should be allowed to use the sidewalk for safety reasons. For one, they are still probably learning to use their bike properly and second, they are no match for keeping up with traffic and being seen on the road. There is absolutely no excuse for an adult cyclist to be using the sidewalk.
It doesn’t help when motorists don’t respect cyclists. In the past few months, respect has grown by a massive percentage. 85% of motorists take care of cyclists on the road! The 15% that could give a s--t what happens to you are the ones with massive trucks with tires that raise the body two metres off the ground and accelerate so hard they leave a cloud of fumes that choke you to death. They’re probably just trying to make up for something they lack in the pants? I am grateful for the motorists that respect me and my fellow cyclists and pedestrians. Please consider that it is a several tonne vehicle against a few hundred pound cyclist.
Also, there has not been any news (at least that I’ve heard) about the white lines popping up on the streets. I’m still guessing they’re going to be bike lanes, just not officially announced yet. If you have any information, feel free to comment!
Don't forget to check out my new facebook page. On the go photos will be posted there!
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