MCAC will be discussing this issue at our next meeting on Tues. July 9, given recent events. WHAT DO YOU THINK? BLITZ THOSE BIKES - Mississauga News editorial (July 4, 2013): mississauga/opinion-story/3878625-blitz-those-bikes "Some are rude and inconsiderate and many others are outright lawbreakers. Either way, they pose a real threat to the safety of pedestrians in Mississauga. Motivated to save the planet and intent on saving money while getting fit, so many of us are opting for pedal-powered transportation of the two-wheel variety over the family car. Car ownership is down by 40 per cent in North America. Share The Road’s polls show that 600,000 Ontarians ride a bike daily. This should be good news, but for pedestrians, too many cyclists lack basic etiquette and show a blatant disregard for the well-being of others. So often, cyclists exhibit behaviour that ranges from obnoxious to downright dangerous. One needs only to stroll along one of Mississauga’s many nature trails to encounter speeding cyclists who show no courtesy to pedestrians. Many fail to warn of their presence as they approach from behind. Many cyclists fail to equip their bikes with a working bell or horn; never mind that failure to do so constitutes a Highway Traffic Act offence that carries an $85 fine. If a speeding cyclist hits a pedestrian, the resulting injuries can be severe. Seniors and those who have hearing impairments are particularly vulnerable to these speed demons. Our sidewalks aren’t much safer. Recently, a 71-year-old woman was struck and killed by a cyclist as she walked along an Erindale street at midday. A 52-year-old man has been charged. Motorists are kept in check by police blitzes that target distracted and drinking drivers. They enforce seat belt laws and vehicle safety. Perhaps it’s time for Peel Regional Police to hit the trail — and the sidewalk — in a concentrated campaign designed to bring these free-wheeling nuisances into check. "
Posted on: Sat, 06 Jul 2013 23:43:41 +0000