In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

Cyclists meet to discuss safety

(CBC News) Cyclists in the Ottawa region gathered for a session of discussion and brainstorming on Saturday at Ottawa City Hall. Their hope was to create a list of safety recommendations to submit to the Ontario Coroner's office. It included people who have biked in Ontario and around the world. They discussed speed limits, bike paths, and reducing sidewalk cycling. Hans Moor, the president of Citizens for Safe Cycling, says that it is important for cyclists to take responsibility for their own cycling safety. He said this is especially important because the number of cyclists on the roads is increasing. As an example of how cyclists need to take more responsibility, he said more riders should have lights attached to their bikes. The coroner is investigating cycling deaths in Ontario from 2006 to 2010, in an effort to prevent future cycling tragedies. The recommendations are expected in a report in the spring.

1.

About Citizens for Safe Cycling

Citizens for Safe Cycling - A not-for-profit cycling organization
Citizens for Safe Cycling (CfSC) is a not-for-profit independent membership-based organization. It is based in the Ottawa area. The organization works to promote better, safer, environmentally-friendly cycling. The CfSC is directed by a volunteer board of experienced and committed cyclists, and it is run by active volunteers, many of whom are long-term cyclists. The group encourages greater bike use and cycling safety and awareness. It also talks about bike routes and road conditions that are safer and more pleasant. The CfSC advocates acceptance of cyclists as road-users, cycling education, improved engineering to facilitate cyclist traffic, legislation that is properly enforced, and representation of cycling issues.

2.

Recreational Cycling

Bicycle Nova Scotia - The provincial organization of cyclists in Nova Scotia
Improving your health with a satisfying dose of fresh air and exercise is what recreational cycling is all about. And it's rewarding. Bicycle Nova Scotia says that recreational cycling is directed toward the less competitive cyclist, as a rider who is more interested in biking for the fun of it. This page outlines a number of statistics related to cycling. It points out that there are less bike accidents per kilometre on city streets than on bike lanes and trails, that most bike accidents do not involve motor vehicles, and that a rider is safest when they are moving with the flow of traffic. Between 60-70 per cent of bike-motor vehicle accidents occur at intersections, and usually the main cause of these accidents is distraction or driver inattention. All of the stats on safe cycling are right here.

3.

Safety for Motorists: drivers need to know cycling safety, too

Halifax Cycling Coalition - An organization of concerned citizens in the Halifax Regional Municipality
According to the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act, the Halifax Cycling Coalition writes, bicyclists and motorists have the same rights and responsibilities. At the foundation of these rights is the respect for all road users. This is the key in avoiding collisions. Some experienced bikers can travel at 25-35 km/h on a flat surface and up to 50 km/h going downhill, and many drivers misjudge these bikers' speed. This miscalculation is one of the factors involved when motorists turn too soon in front of a bicyclist, cutting off the rider. As well, motorists often underestimate cyclists' speed when making a left turn in front of them. The site also warns of getting "doored." This happens when a motorist opens their door before looking behind them for approaching cyclists.

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Halifax Bike Safety

Bicycle Safety - Information from the Halifax Regional Police
This website offers a wealth of information of cycling safety from the Halifax Regional Police. It begins with reminding bikers to wear bright, reflective clothing, and to ensure they have the right safety gear that fits properly. The signals required for turning or stopping are shown in diagrams, which is essential cyclist know-how. The correct fit of a bike is discussed, and the laws around cycling are included. Cyclists are reminded that wearing a helmet is mandatory, and the fine for not using one is a minimum of $128.75. Cyclists must obey the road signs and traffic signals, just like a motor vehicle. It's all essential cycling information that every rider needs to know before venturing out onto the road.

5.

I hate you, bike thief.

ihateyoubikethief.com - A community of bike-thief haters
This is one website with a very apt name that focuses on another kind of protection: thievery. The blog is made up of a community of victims of bike theft. Cyclists can write their own public letter to a bike thief, or post their tales of bike-loss for other sympathizers to read. The site includes a poster that people can print off and post in their own neighbourhood if their bike is stolen, and after a brief bike description, it reads: "I don't even want this bike back. I just made these flyers to tell you that I hate you, bike thief. I hope you ride my bike without a helmet and get hit by a monster truck. I hope my bike takes you straight to hell." The site is the ideal outlet for a fuming-angry bike-theft victim.