Opinions about cyclist safety in urban environments are not always helpful when based on theoretical studies that do not consider the specifics of the urban area where cycling improvements are considered. Cyclist observations conducted by Gorski Consulting enable a study of the specifics of cycling safety problems in cities such as London, Ontario that are more relevant because they are specific.
The photo at the top of this article is one in a series showing an example of a cycling safety problem in London that is not particularly uncommon, yet rarely are such incidents discussed in formal research studies. In this incident a cyclist is riding westbound within a painted cycling lane on a day when the city’s garbage collection is taking place on this particular street. Thus all the garbage receptacles are seen lying on the roadside, close to the curb. This is a typical, two-lane collector road so that traffic is moderately dense. As the above photo shows, several passenger vehicles are travelling along the roadway and passing the cyclist travelling in the cycling lane.
As shown in the photo below, the cyclist’s position is closer than normal to the white, dividing line between the cycling lane and the lane designated for motor vehicle traffic. This is because the cyclist is pulling a grocery cart with his right hand and needs the additional width for the passage of the cart.
As shown below the cyclist begins to move to the left, outside of the cycling lane, just as a silver car is passing his location. The motor vehicle driver has anticipated this motion and has steered the car beyond the centre-line of the road and partly into the opposing lane. Fortunately there is no motor vehicle traffic in the opposing lane so this lateral motion can be accomplished without much concern. From the motor vehicle driver’s point of view it might seem that the cyclist has been unusually lacking in attention in not keeping properly within the cycling lane. What lies ahead of the cyclist may not be visible because the cycling lane in front of the cyclist is blocked by the cycle and cart.
As the scenario unfolds in the next photo below we see why the cyclist has moved out if the cycling lane because a garbage receptacle is lying within the cycling lane and he must travel around it.
The final photo below shows the cyclist steering back into the cycling lane after he has successfully cleared the obstacle.
Observations like this lead to several issues. If the cyclist had been equipped with a mirror he might have a better opportunity to observe motor vehicle traffic behind him. He might also consider pulling out of the cycling lane in a more gradual fashion thereby giving motor vehicle drivers more time to consider their options. We can also see that the cyclist is not wearing a helmet thus increasing the risk of a major head injury from contact by the motor vehicle or from falling onto the pavement if a glancing contact were to occur.
Cyclists pulling shopping carts is not an uncommon happening in London Ontario yet no recognition of this activity is demonstrated in official circles. Dangers cannot be detected and solutions cannot be found when such happenings are invisible to all concerned.
The issue of obstacles ending up within a cycling lane is also not uncommon. More focus could be drawn to making sure garbage pick-up crews properly return receptacles back onto the roadside and out of a cycling lane. However there are many instances where heavier winds simply blow an empty cycling receptacle into a cycling lane or onto a lane travelled by motor vehicles. These problems need to be acknowledged and solutions need to be discussed.
The scenario shown here is an example of the importance of making observations of cycling scenarios on urban roadways so that an understanding can be gained of what unique safety problems may exist within a community. Safety solutions that are recommended from theoretical studies developed from distant areas (countries) may not fit a specific community’s needs if the unique characteristics of that community’s road systems are not properly identified and understood.
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