The dangers of ‘bus knuckles’
A “bus knuckle” in the pavement looks like trouble, but a reader says they’re a lot more dangerous than they appear.
And his description of the perils of raised ridges in the road at TTC bus stops is at least as articulate as we could ever spin it.
With spring just around the corner, motorcycle riders are itching to mount up. We’ve already spotted a few while out for a spin during the unusually warm weather we’ve had lately.
Everything old is new at this time of year, including the lessons learned by motorcyclists — and even those on bicycles or driving cars — about the need for caution when approaching a bus knuckle.
For those on two-wheeled vehicles, chances of being thrown for a loop are particularly good.
Tony Salvatore sent us a note about two knuckles in the southbound curb lane of Victoria Park Ave., at Lawrence Ave. and Cassandra Blvd., which have long been a sore point for him.
And his explanation of the problem underscored how dangerous they can be, particularly when a driver or bike rider hits one before they see it.
He describes a knuckle as “a big bump in the pavement caused by the inability of the asphalt to handle the weight of the buses, in the curb lane where the buses stop.
“If you are changing lanes when approaching the bus stop, to go from the middle to the curb lane to turn right, the tires and the car can be directed (by the ridge), as you do not expect it, causing a swerve or accident.
“Since these are at bus stops there is high pedestrian traffic on the immediate sidewalk and it could be very dangerous. It can also ruin the car’s alignment.
“On rain days or snow days the ruts and ridges can be hard to detect and I have seen how cars swerve, or drivers are startled.
“This has been an on-going prob- lem in the area and in Scarborough. This is something the city has been poorly repairing and maintaining, and there could be severe consequences of personal injury.” That pretty much covers it off, eh? Status: We’ve asked transportation services if it can arrange to have the knuckles temporarily eliminated with grinding equipment. We also asked if the two locations can be added to the list of those where the pavement is to be replaced with a concrete pad that can withstand the weight of buses. What’s broken in your neighbourhood? Wherever you are in Greater Toronto, we want to know. Send an email to jlakey@thestar.ca. Report problems and follow us on Twitter @TOStarFixer.