Bicyclists, motorists urged to work together
Police launch safety campaign on social media for cyclists and drivers
WATERLOO REGION — Waterloo Regional Police have launched a social media campaign to encourage cyclists and drivers to work together and share roads.
But at least one avid cyclist said he’s irked that the video suggests cyclists should stay as “far to the right of the road as possible” even though sharrows painted on the road indicate cyclists have the right to their space on the road.
Robin Mazumder, 32, is a PhD candidate at the University of Waterloo in cognitive neuroscience. His research looks at the psychological impacts of urban design, which includes how people feel as they navigate their cities.
Mazumder, who sits on Kitchener’s cycling and trails advisory committee, frequently rides on King Street in downtown Kitchener. He said drivers often yell or honk at him.
He said it appears that many drivers aren’t aware that sharrows means cyclists are due space on the road.
“Some drivers think sharrows aren’t legitimate,” he said. “It’s not so much us sharing the road, but drivers need to recognize the potential harm. It’s not an equal footing.”
Sgt. John Nymann of the police service’s traffic branch said sharrows are reminders to motorists that they need to slow down and share the road with cyclists.
But in some areas in the core of Kitchener and Waterloo where there are sharrows, the roadway is “simply too narrow” and cyclists need to get to the right of the road, he said.
Mazumder said he would like to see learning opportunities for drivers on the meaning of sharrows.
“I’m a confident cyclist and I’m still petrified of riding in K-W,” said Mazumder, who is in London, England, for the summer on a research scholarship and praises the bike networks there.
Police spokesperson Cherri Greeno said the #CareToShare campaign is aimed at both motorists and cyclists, encouraging them to work together.
In one video, five tips were offered to cyclists: make sure bikes are in good working order with lights and bells; use a helmet; know the rules of the road; use hand signals; and be aware of your surroundings.
On Friday, police released a video offering five tips for drivers: check mirrors and blind spots for cyclists; make sure it’s safe to open the door to avoid hitting cyclists when parking; do not follow too closely to cyclists; do not drive in bike lanes; and keep one metre distance from a cyclist.
Failure to keep the one-metre distance can lead to a fine of $500 and two demerit points.
Greeno said the campaign was created after tips and suggestions were shared with police on their social media accounts.