Marilyn Ailey says she’s had a few close calls over the years while riding her bike on Thunder Bay streets.
But for the most part motorists tend to understand they’re expected to share the road with cyclists and don’t crowd her as she makes her way down some of the city’s busiest corridors.
But not all drivers have gotten the message, which is why Ailey and her husband Keith agreed to take part in You Know Me, I Ride a Bike, an awareness campaign jointly put on by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Safe Cycling Thunder Bay.
The campaign launched Monday, the day before the city’s bike lanes re-open for use.
Ailey, a self-described cycling enthusiast, says she’s been riding a bike on city streets as long as she can remember.
“It was my first feeling of freedom,” she said.
“It’s important to keep it safe for kids, teenagers and everyone who is on the road in Thunder Bay. I think we have a wonderful community for cycling, but we have a ways to go in educating everyone to know what is safe and where to be on the road.”
The sidewalk is not the place for cyclists, Ailey added, noting it’s illegal for bikes with tire diameters exceeding 43 centimetres.
Does she feel safe?
Most of the time, yes she does.
“But there have been moments when people have done really ridiculous things. I’ve been riding my bike and had chip bags and pop bottles thrown out the window. I’ve had people honk their horn repetitively while going by me, even though I was clearly on the right side of the road,” Ailey said.
Fellow cyclist Ron Desmoulins travels to and from work each day, winding his way down Memorial Avenue for the past dozen years.
While a lot of people say he’s taking his life in his hands, he begs to differ.
“I’m just here to say, yeah, it is safe. I’ve found Thunder Bay drivers to be quite courteous. In the 12 or so years I’ve been driving to and from work, I’ve had three close calls. Most drivers will make that room for you, which is why I ride on the road,” Desmoulins said.
Adam Krupper is the city’s active transportation co-ordinator and said the campaign is both a timely and needed one, as Thunder Bay encourages more and more cyclist to consider biking an option.
“We have to make sure that not only are we developing a culture of cycling, but the culture of driving and cycling are working together – they’re sharing the road safely,” Krupper said.
“This campaign, really the whole point is to humanize cyclists, give cyclists a face and make them a person sharing the road.”
The ads will run in print and on local radio stations throughout May. They can also be seen by visiting www.safecyclingthunderbay.com.
