It’s been a shocking week for cyclists in Victoria. In the first three days, there have been as many accidents—one of them fatal.
In the latter tragedy, 50 year-old cyclist Mark Philip Metcalfe—riding, it appears from the video report below, a bike equipped with eZee electric assist—was run over by the rear wheels of a dump truck.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0esUB5z_NAU[/youtube]
Note to reporter Joe Perkins: Keep your eyes on the road, not on the camera!
The main takeaway from these incidents is that increasingly busy city streets, crowded with distracted and impatient drivers, inadequately serve the needs of cyclists.
It is too soon to tell the exact cause of these collisions (though, in the case of the fatality, that didn’t stop a police officer from suggesting, according to the Victoria Times Colonist, “the cyclist might have clipped the second trailer, causing him to fall under the large wheels.”
Until city administrators regard cycle commuting and the safety of cyclists with equal importance as motor traffic (by allocating a higher proportion of budgets to cycling infrastructure) it will be up to cyclists to do everything possible to protect themselves.
If practical, use roads with marked shoulders. Consider a rear view mirror. Wear light-coloured clothing and reflective gear on rainy days, especially at night.
A social media acquaintance mentioned just a few days ago how shocked she was to see unlit “ninja” riders about town, even on dark rainy streets.
As I mentioned in this winter cycling post, the best—the very best, not just adequate—lighting is imperative during the short days and long nights of winter.
I don’t consider cheap little flashers “the best” kind of lighting. Small flashing lights become another distracting element to be tuned out on busy streets—especially when they’re wet. Use bright, steady-state lights, particularly on the front of the bike.
On the rear, use lights on both sides of the bike and/or centrally located on a rear rack or fender.
Unfortunately, quality lights are not an inexpensive bicycle accessory. But your life is worth every penny you spend.
While we’re on the subject … do you feel safe because you use mega-lumen headlights? Where is your light directed? Hopefully not into the eyes of approaching drivers and cyclists. Think about this, especially if you choose to mount the light on your helmet, instead of your bicycle.
In Germany, where some of the best lighting systems are manufactured, headlight optics are subject to government StVZO regulations.
In other words, retina-frying, direct-beam lights are great for illuminating single-track descents in the forest; not so good on city streets.
Finally, when will Canada legislate the use of sideguards on transport trucks? Despite MP Olivia Chow’s campaign in Parliament, and strong proof of their life-saving value in Europe, the federal government shows little interest in mandating their use.
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In the video I got a kick out of how sun glare was to blame for two accidents. Two years ago a cyclist was struck in St. Catharines, and sun glare was to blame.
IMO sun glare, snow or rain is NEVER an excuse. You have to adjust to the conditions. If you can’t see because of the sun, or if the roads are slick, SLOW DOWN!
I have a mirror on both of my bikes and when I ride a bike without them, it feels awkward. It’s not as if they are going to prevent an accident, but at least I can prepare myself if I see a larger vehicle (truck, bus etc.) approaching.
I do strongly disagree with the clothing aspect. IMO if you have the proper lights there is no reason to wear reflective clothing.
My ‘winter clothing’ is almost all dark. If it’s not black, it’s dark blue or a dark beige/brown. For myself, I’d never wear reflective clothing.
Not the best example as it was starting to get bright out, but here is what my rear lights look like.
Here is what my front light look like.
IMO if a motorist can’t see those, they probably shouldn’t be on the road…of course I’ve yet to have any issues. When out early morning with the lights on, people give me more then enough space.
….I’m going to do another comment post on the side gaurds :p …
Yes, it’s incredible the kind of rationalizations people can come up with for not paying due care and attention.
Mirrors are good. I can’t understand why so many cyclists–“roadies” in particular–eschew their use. Better to “look like a Fred” than be dead.
Though I agree that on-bike lighting is the first consideration, I don’t understand why you would “strongly disagree” with wearing reflective clothing, in addition. Randonneurs, who “make a living” riding through the night, understand the benefits, and rando clubs–from Audax Club Parisien down to regional organizations worldwide–mandate the use of vests or sashes after dark. ACP actually changed the rule for Paris-Brest-Paris. this year, requiring the use of vests over sashes.
See “safety” on this page.
I’d say there are two reasons:
1. Just from observing (and the rare interaction) in St. Catharines, I have found that people (all be it few) who wear reflective clothing have the most issues with motorists passing closely or cutting them off.
Of course this could be coincidence but I seldom, if ever hear/see the same thing from people dressed in non-reflective clothing.
2. This has more to do with promotion of wearing reflective clothing and not so much with people *choosing* to wear reflective clothing.
If I’m a motorist and watch that news piece, (accidents aside) I’d be turned off with the idea that I should purchase/wear reflective clothing. IMO it has more to do with ‘normalizing’ cycling with a more “just hop on your bike” attitude. I find once you start saying “okay now you need a helmet and reflective clothing etc.” it just puts too many people off.
This could just be a cultural difference between Ontario & BC of course.
I fully support what Olivia has been trying to do (for what, over two decades!?).
It has been interesting listening to Toronto radio since the death of Jenna Morrison. Just two days ago 1010AM had a rep from the trucking industry and then a little later on Olivia.
First off, 1010 use to be fairly moderate politically. Now it has become a far right-wing Conservative propaganda machine…Although not as bad as 640AM which is 1000x’s worse.
The trucking industry will fight this with all their might. Of course when you have (arguably the scariest) government ever in power for this country, they won’t have to fight hard. The “”Harper Government”” has already shot the idea down.
When Olivia was on, the douche-air bag known as Jerry Agar (die-hard CON & strongly anti-bike) went on about it costing too much for the trucking industry.
When Olivia said they (side guards) save lives, he said not enough people die as a result…I guess gone are the days when people use to say “if it saves one life, it’s worth it”. Perhaps if a rash of motorists start getting trapped/killed under trucks, the CONs will take notice :\
On another show (Jim Richards, also anti-bike), he called side guards a waste of money.
A caller said as tragic as the accident was, since the trucker wasn’t charged, SHE was at fault and that SHE went through a stop sign. Of course both accounts are false and quite typical the host didn’t correct the caller, but agreed.
The media in Ontario will make sure the trucking industry wins in this situation.
Thanks for the local perspective in Ontario.
It is great to see Olivia working so hard on this. I’m sure at least some of the inspiration comes from her late husband Jack Layton, a lifelong cyclist. We lost a great advocate for progressive ideas and humanity with his passing. Politicians like Jack and Olivia are too few.
As you indicate, it’s likely some of the Neanderthal resistance comes from pure partisanship. Who can fathom this ignorance?
Once upon a time there was man being held prisoner in the Tower of London. After viewing a public execution, he is credited with “There but for the Grace of God go I”. I get it! “Ghost Bike” headlines give me the same feeling! I get it because some of those ghosts are personal. Then there are other ghosts, the cyclists that due to accident are held prisoner in intensive care. Please be careful out there. Please!
I hear you, Lee. Too many ghosts on the road. If it were a different kind of epidemic, we’d mobilize every research lab on the planet.
I’m thinking , thinking of that first time, that first headline or phone call where you knew or recognized the cyclist killed or maimed! Remember, do not forget, call your government! Lest we forget, ghost bikes are poppies.
Lee, do you remember that guy we knew from Carleton Cycle–really nice, young, handsome–who got right hooked by a dump truck, or maybe garbage truck, on Kingsway?
So long ago now, but this incident made me think of him. Such a loss! Hope he’s pedalling somewhere beautiful.
Nameless but not forgotten! Lest we forget, there is the Ride of Silence.
Whatever it needs to save lives and injures, lets do it
Indeed. The problem from my point of view is administrators seem to put no value on cycling infrastructure, and, by association, cyclist’s lives.
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