VIEWPOINT - Making Our Streets Safer at Low Cost

SoapboxFirst and foremost, I am a cyclist of 50+ years, and a driver for the past 38 years. With well over a million kilometres driven, I have had significant experience and try very hard to do what the motor vehicle act, common sense, and reduced risk of injury dictate. I regularly review "Bike Sense" and ICBC's publications. In my opinion, our roadways are becoming less safe for both motorist and cyclists.

Nuisance Lights

TranBC logoLights, without a doubt the subject that generates the greatest number of requests for DriveSmartBC articles. We've looked at almost every kind of light connected with the operation of a vehicle or cycle on a highway in British Columbia, so it's time to widen our view to the roadside. Have you been blinded by the light emitted by newer LED advertising signs?

RESEARCH - Evaluating Complete Streets

VTPI LogoThe Victoria Transport Policy Institute web site introduces the concept of Complete Streets. This term refers to roads designed to accommodate diverse modes, users and activities including walking, cycling, public transit, automobile, nearby businesses and residents. Such street design helps create more multi-modal transport systems and more livable communities. This report discusses reasons to implement complete streets and how it relates to other planning innovations.

Skateboarders in Traffic

SkateboardA teen stepped off of the sidewalk as I approached, hopped onto his skateboard and began to weave slightly along the curb in front of my vehicle. He either trusted me with his life or had not given much thought to his own as he was far enough into the lane to be a hazard and had his back to overtaking traffic. I had to slow and crowd the center lane to get by.

CASE LAW - Hunstad v Cormier

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis is a case that I had to read a number of times and refer to a picture of the intersection to understand what path Ms. Hunstad, a cyclist, had taken. Rather than cross McCallum Road in Abbotsford in a straight line by using Marshall Road she took an erratic path that included travel the wrong way on McCallum twice.

Q&A - Proper Position for Left Turns?

Q&A ImageI have a question about where to position my vehicle when making a left turn at an (big) intersection with a light. I have always entered the intersection (stopping somewhat before halfway through), then waited (with my signal on) to proceed safely and make the turn. I have noticed that other drivers wait at the limit line and do not (are barely) enter the intersection.