Another Cyclist, Gone

Photo: Ray Bradshaw of Global Halifax

A family has lost a loved one, friends have lost a companion. The cycling community of Halifax was somber yesterday, as riding buddies messaged one another to see if they were 'ok'. They too have lost one of their own -- a tight knit community of enthusiasts who love the feeling of two wheels, and the open road beneath them.

May she rest in peace.

Internet comments and observations are never a positive barometer of general consensus or thought, but are nonetheless disappointing. On News-sites and Facebook, some were blaming cyclists for being unsafe -- again. Others blamed drivers for being careless. It is a repetitive chorus.

As always, laying responsibility accomplishes nothing.

I cannot imagine the conscience of the truck's operator. They have inadvertently taken a life. A police investigation will discover the course of events, but we must calm our vitriol and remember this driver is human, as well.

It was an accident.

Another accident, following a string of collisions within the last few days. The last few months. Years, even.

It's easy to say Cyclists should be more cautious and drivers should be aware, but in the end everyone is using the same roadway, with nothing to separate them but a splash of paint (sometimes). We're in it together, but cyclists are the ones being seriously injured, or dying, in the resulting collisions.

The problem lies within the poor infrastructure, and bureaucracy that applies band-aids instead of meaningful change.

Halifax roads are unsafe. To make them safer for both all commuters, we need protected bike lanes.

Sure, the roads are old. So are the innumerable cities and towns in Europe where cycling is commonplace, or even the dominant form of transportation.



Morning Ebb And Flow from jim slade on Vimeo.


This lazy excuse is inadequate. The trouble is money. Luckily, the Halifax Cycling Coalition has figured out how much. Go take a read. They even address the common myth that roads are not wide enough.

We also need mandatory guards on the undercarriages of big trucks. The Halifax Cycling Coalition is also calling for this. It isn't the first time they've made such recommendations. Hopefully it is the last.

These precautions will save lives. They will encourage more people to cycle. This, in turn, could create a more positive relationship between motorists and cyclists. It would also equate to a healthier, more active community. In some cases, it's helped the economy.

Around the world, communities have flourished with these implementations. Halifax could very well do the same.

Email your local councillor and ask them for a safer and more inclusive Halifax roadway system throughout the whole of HRM. Don't settle for debate or assignment of blame.

Mostly, though, send your condolences and thoughts to the family and friends of yesterday's victim. Hopefully, she will be the last.