Getting along

The city’s expanding network of bike lanes will continue to pose a risk to cyclists as drivers get used to sharing the road, but things should get better in a hurry says a traffic control officer with Thunder Bay Police Services.

Sgt. Alan McKenzie on Wednesday said while there have been no incidents reported involving bikes and vehicles since the lanes were first put in, a quick tour around the city showed many drivers are still low on the learning curve.

McKenzie said he saw plenty of vehicles, including a Canada Post van whose driver was unloading packages, parked within the dedicated bike lanes.

"That is, of course, against the bylaw to use that bike lane as a parking and/or a stopping area," McKenzie said.

"As (people) get used to them, I don’t think they’ll pose any problem. They will in fact encourage people to cycle and to create a healthier image and lifestyle within the community. But for now there is going to be a huge learning curve with getting used to the multiple lane markings and the idea that when you’re making turns on the road you have to be aware of fast-moving traffic, because cyclists can move quickly, coming up on your right-hand side."

McKenzie said police will offer up a grace period for offenders, giving them time to get used to the new rules of the road, much the same as they did when the cell phone ban was introduced last fall. Also, Thunder Bay city council has yet to set fine levels under the bylaw.

Adam Krupper, the city’s active transportation co-ordinator, said the 15-year goal of the city is to create a network of interconnected bike lanes that will allow cyclists to maneuver about Thunder Bay with ease and safety.

Dedicated lanes have already been installed on Court Street, and this week they were added to portions of Walsh Street and Syndicate Avenue.

"It’s important because it makes the city more livable for a broader section of people," Krupper said. "It makes the roads safer because it slows down traffic. It makes the road safer for people who want to cycle and it makes the city more pedestrian friendly, for people who want to walk, because we start getting bikes off the sidewalks."

Well, at least that’s what city officials are hoping will happen. In reality, cyclists aren’t always getting the message, said a Holly Crescent resident, who did not give his name.

"They’re still driving down the sidewalk and they’re driving on the wrong side of the street when they are using the bike lanes," he said. "It’s … stupid."

McKenzie said from his brief observation, cyclists were using the lanes properly, but cautioned them to use their best judgment when crossing paths with vehicles who might not necessarily obey the law.

"Even though (cyclists) may have the right of way, you still have to consider that a vehicle is much larger than you and it just makes sense to give them the right of way," he said.

"I would tell people to be aware of your surroundings when driving, be courteous, share the roads and pay attention to the new markings on the (streets)."