Juan De Fuca Cycling Coalition

CRD Pedestrian & Cycling Master Plan

2012-01-09T14:49:00.000-08:00

Here is the CRD Pedestrian And Cycling Master Plan. It is a fairly extensive document that promotes all 13 of the Communities within the CRD to work together to create a regional network of cycling trails and routes, as well as addressing design guidelines, mapping, facilities, education, transit integration, enforcement, planning and funding.
There are huge benefits of having all the communities work together on this. As well the CRD can take a role in coordination, helping to eliminate duplicated efforts, and to help in securing funding.
Take a look, and remember that there is always the need for continual public input.

The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition has set up a committee to monitor and provide ongoing input to the plan. They are looking for volunteers from each community. I will be planning to participate as the Sooke and JDF Regional District representative, but would love someone to assist me on that. My schedule often has me out of town when meetings happen, so it would be good to have a back up person.

A lofty but attainable goal for Pacific Marine Circle Route

2011-10-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

One of the goals of the Juan de Fuca Cycling Coalition is to encourage the creation of a world class cycling destination in our region. We have the foundation of that already with the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and the Pacific Marine Circle Route. What is needed now, is to build on that with a safe network of trails, bike lanes and suitable accommodation alongside the existing camping facilities that exist along the route.
Check out what has been done across the border in Washington State with the Olympic Discovery Trail

Locally made bike rack

2011-09-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

One of our local, highly talented, and generous citizens(Maywell Wickheim), along with Communities in Bloom have created a wonderful new bike rack. The first of these has been installed in front of the Stone Pipe Grill, wit a couple more to come. Watch for them!
The top trough will be used to plant flowers...or maybe as a watering trough for our local horses that sometime wander the downtown area!?

Sharrows come to Sooke!

2011-09-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Sooke now has Sharrows. These are located on Rhodenite St. It is a fairly quiet residential street, but it does see a fair bit of traffic around school start and finish times. Lots of kids are walking or biking on this route. There are no sidewalks here at this point in time. The road was slated to get bike lanes 2 years ago but the local residents were very vocal in opposing them.
I believe this is a good solution for now until the road eventually gets sidewalks and parking pullouts.

The idea is that a cyclist should“take the lane”. In other words, ride the bike in the area of the markings.This is designed so that the cyclist is in full view of motorists, and farenough away from the curb and parked cars so that there is no chance of themrunning into an opening parked car door.

For motorists, this meanssharing the road with bicycles, slowing down, and passing only when it is safe to do so.On a street like Rhodenite, the speed limit is 40k, so this really should notdisrupt traffic flow in any significant way. Particularly in this area therecan be many young children on bicycles, so pleaseslow down (well below the speed limit in many cases) when you seechildren on their bikes and pedestrians)

Please feel free to leave your comments!

Sooke Bike Boxes Beautification

2011-09-14T17:02:00.000-07:00

Here are photos of the newly painted Bike Storage Lockers that were provided by BC Transit for the Sooke Park N' Ride. Thank you to the students from Edward Milne Community School who did the painting!

Great ride up Harbourview; Sooke Mountain Park

2011-09-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

This area I live in keeps amazing me with all the beautiful places! Today I finally got to ride all the way up Harbourview "Road" to Sheilds and Grassi Lake. What a gorgeous day with a relaxing swim in the lake and some great views.
I think this area is going to become a major Mountain Biking destination when more people discover it. It offers trails for all skill levels, and there are lots of them!
Check out my route on Bikemap

2011-09-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Sooke Slow Food Flyer; Please Print and Post where you can. Only 35 days left until the first annual Sooke Slow Food Cycle!

We are not Cyclists....we are People Riding Bicycles!

2011-09-03T08:01:00.001-07:00

Here comes the Sooke Slow Food Fashion Contest!

Sooke Slow Food Cycle October 9, 2011

2011-08-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for the Sooke Slow Food Cycle on October 9th, 2011! Check out the Website and tell us what you think. It is still a work in progress but most of the info is up and running.
We are on Facebook as well!

Taking the Lane

2011-08-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a good little animation about the dangers of riding too far to the right on a road. (Thanks for the link Colin)

Transition Towns

2011-05-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Juan De Fuca Cycling Coalition is looking at working closer with the Sooke Transition Town Initiative. We have very similar goals with overlap in many places and this creates the opportunity to share resources and like-minded membership! I think this is an exciting opportunity for all of us to broaden our sphere of influence.

Pedal Points; Riding the Sidewalk

2011-05-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Even though it is illegal in most municipalities, many people ride their bicycles on the sidewalk, either for convenience or fear of traffic on the road. However, by riding on the sidewalk, cyclists can make themselves more vulnerable to an accident than might be readily apparent. Many collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles occur at intersections of sidewalks and parking lots, driveways and cross streets.

Often people ride the sidewalk going opposite direction to the normal traffic flow, which presents a problem for vehicles pulling out of driveways or coming up to intersections. As car drivers, what direction do we first look when approaching a cross road? Usually to the left. That is where we expect vehicles to be coming from. We don’t expect a cyclist to be approaching from our right side, so we might not see them until it is too late, particularly if they are moving with any speed. Even with same direction traffic, a cyclist on the sidewalk is out of a motorist’s normal field of view and vulnerable to collision when the car turns onto a cross street and the cyclist enters that street. (no matter which direction they are riding) See diagrams

There have been studies done showing that it can be twice as dangerous riding on the sidewalk than riding on the road.

The other reason for not riding on a sidewalk is for pedestrian safety and comfort. Don’t underestimate the potential to harm a pedestrian with a bicycle. Even if you have complete control of your bicycle and don’t hit anyone, it makes some pedestrians (particularly the elderly) nervous having to share a sidewalk with a bike.

One of the challenges that many communities have is that the roads are not safe for cyclists due to a lack of bike lanes or wide shoulders, debris, poor pavement and high speed motor traffic, so people elect to use the sidewalk.

Some municipalities have bylaws that allow cyclists with wheel diameters of 24” or less to use the sidewalk (i.e.; children’s bikes). Even with good bike lanes or shoulders it might not be a good idea to let your child ride on the road due to traffic volume, speed etc.

There are also times when a cyclist wants to ride a very short distance down the road, but in order to follow traffic flow they would have cross the line of traffic, only to cross back again a very short distance later. This puts them in much more danger than simply staying on the sidewalk to go against the traffic flow and getting to their destination in a much more direct line. (I certainly do this at times) After all, it is a bicycle and should have some more flexibility and advantage over driving a car!
So, here we see some reasons that people riding bikes might want to use the sidewalk. In this case there are a few things we can do to make it as safe as possible, for everyone. First, and often the best option is to get off and walk your bike, particularly if there are pedestrians using the sidewalk! (Did you know it is also illegal to ride your bike across a pedestrian crosswalk?) If you feel the need to stay on your bike, move slowly and under control with due regard to intersections, driveways and other sidewalk users. Remember that pedestrians often stop or turn suddenly and can turn right into a cyclist. If somebody gets hurt you can count on the cyclists being the one held responsible in this case.

I have seen many instances where pedestrians and cyclists can use the same piece of pavement safely and efficiently, but that involves using common sense and courtesy. Nowadays we often see mobility scooters using the sidewalks, and in my mind they are vulnerable to the same dangers as a cyclist on the sidewalk, so these same procedures should apply to them. We also have to remember that even though we are riding in a safe and courteous manner we might upset some pedestrians by our presence on the sidewalk with a bicycle, because legally, we shouldn’t be there. Unfortunately there are also some people who believe people on bicycles shouldn’t be travelling on the road either! This is not true. A bicycle has the right to be on all roads except some highways posted as such.

To sum it all up; It is usually much safer to ride on the road than on the sidewalk, but don’t do anything your instincts tell you is not safe. Take a course on safe cycling, to help give you confidence riding on the road if you are uncomfortable with it.

If you feel you must ride on the sidewalk, use common sense, courtesy and beware of the traps that this can lead you into, and be prepared to defend your actions to law enforcement officials if need be.

Remember to;

· Think ahead

· Use common sense

· Be aware of your surroundings

· Make yourself visible and act like you are invisible

· Make your intentions known, be predictable and make eye contact with drivers

· Be courteous, smile and have fun!

Where have the Bike Boxes gone?

2011-05-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

Some of you might have noticed that the bike storage lockers at the Sooke Park N' Ride have disappeared. They are now at the Edward Milne Community Schools's Art department. A group of students are going to be painting the boxes, thanks to support from the Sooke Program for the Arts. Watch for the brightly painted boxes coming back in the next couple of months!

New signs on Sooke River Bridge/ HWY 14; SHARE THE ROAD

2011-02-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Part of the work we are doing with MOTI is trying to get some signage on the highway. This is one of the first steps at the Sooke River Bridge and Ayum Creek Bridge. I believe this will help with awareness and hopefully help legitimize the presence of bicycles on the highway. (Some people still think that they aren't allowed or shouldn't be there)

And here is a photo that helps remind us why we need to be vigilant...and sometimes downright scared riding on the shoulder of highways!

Yikes! Glad I wasn't riding there!

An Excellent Article on Cyclist Responsibility

2011-01-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

This article by Tony Webster presents a well balanced view on some very important cycling safety tips. The article was originally published in the s Cycle Therapy Fall 2010 edition. published by the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition
Well worth reading, particularly for anyone riding in the urban environment!
Here is a link to the article.

Anyone interested in the Book "The Art of Cycling" by Robert Hurst, that Tony mentions, here is a link to some excerpts. Also for local people, I have a spare copy to lend out! Email or call me.
Stephen

Sooke Bike Box Survey Results

2011-01-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

Bike Box Survey Results

Administered by Juan De Fuca Cycling Coalition

Total of 19 people responded to survey that was advertised in Sooke News Mirror, JDF Cycle Coalition Blog and email list.
Link to report here.

Urban Planning...by Kids

2011-01-08T12:44:00.000-08:00

It might be worth listening to our children about how to design our towns....and maybe not just kids, but the seniors as well! Check out this article

Pedal Points; Helmets; Using your Head

2011-01-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

The use of helmets for cycling can become the subject of heated debate, partly because of the desire of some people to not have a decision legislated upon them, and for some people the overall benefits are not clear. The argument often used is that in countries where cycling is much more accepted and commonplace, most people do not wear helmets and the injury rate seems to be lower than places where helmets are law and less people ride. Part of the reason for this is that the more people cycle, the safer it becomes for the road users (cyclists and motorists alike). Also in countries like Danemark and Holland, cycling is part of the culture. Here in North America, we are slowly getting there, though we still have a long way to go. Google the subject and you will find lots of information.

Here in BC it is the law to wear a helmet, and I think it is a good idea to wear a helmet. Even if it was not legally required, I would be wearing my helmet. I am amazed at the number of people I see biking with a helmet hanging from the handlebars. What is that all about? It wont protect your head, or prevent you from getting a ticket. (A $29 fine by the way) Face it, all it takes is a simple little fall, even at low speed, with your noggin hitting the concrete or a rock....with potentially devastating results. That is why it is so important for young children learning to ride to wear a proper cycling helmet

Having said that, don't expect that a helmet will make you invincible, particularly in a high speed crash with another object. Wear one, but ride like you are not wearing one!

Proper helmet fitting and care is crucial. Did you know that most modern helmets are only good for one impact. That even means dropping it from a few feet off the ground! This is a good reason why you shouldn't buy a used helmet, particularly if it is showing any sign of wear and tear. The foam also breaks down after several years of exposure to the elements. The best thing is to go to your local bike shop to get help in fitting your helmet properly and to see if you need to replace it. (There are good illustrations on the internet as well for helmet fitting)

Look out for, and research some of the new technologies coming out soon for helmet design. One design coming out this year is a helmet with it's own synthetic scalp that helps prevent rotational injuries. This type of injury often results in a much more serious harm than a straight concussion. You want to have a helmet with a smooth surface that will slide instead of getting caught on the ground and thus twisting your neck.

Statistically, those countries with no helmet laws have a higher ridership and thus safer roads, but are you willing to take a personal risk just to prove a point? New helmets are lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and here in BC, it is the law for everyone on a road to wear a helmet, for both children and adults.

Remember the days when hardly anyone wore a seat belt in a car? Now most of us don't even give it a second thought. So put your lid on, get out there, and have fun!

Bells & Whistles

2010-12-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Some people are very “gear oriented” and have to have the latest bells and whistles for whatever they do. Cyclists are no exception, though one does not have to get all the latest gear to cycle safely. The most important thing is to have a well maintained bike of good quality. Next to that a helmet, which is required by law. (I will devote another article to this crucial though sometimes controversial piece of equipment)

Also required is a bell or some other sort of signalling device such as a horn. Great for letting pedestrians know that you are sneaking up behind them so they don't get startled as you pass them!

For night riding a front white light and rear red light visible for at least 150 meters and red reflector are required.

Though not required by law, I find one of the best pieces of safety equipment is a mirror. This really helps to keep an eye on traffic approaching from the rear and give better situational awareness. Even if you have a mirror, it is crucial to still do a shoulder check before changing lanes or turning!

The other gear that is a good idea is bright or reflective clothing. As mentioned in previous articles, visibility is a key factor in safe cycling. Wear clothing that is comfortable and that will help regulate body temperature as well as keep you dry in wet weather. Modern synthetics can do an amazing job of this. Don't forget to tuck in or strap up loose pant legs on the chain side of the bike so you don't' get it caught in the chain or covered in grease.

Make sure you do regular maintenance yourself or bring the bike into your local shop for a check and tune-up. A trained bike mechanic can catch potential problems before they develop. I have seen a kid's bike brought into the local bike shop that had a loose wheel nut, and if weren't for the kind offer of a quick safety check from the bike mechanic, it would have gone un-noticed until the wheel fell off with possibly very serious results.

Before getting on your bike, do a quick ABC check. A= Air (tires at an appropriate pressure) B= Brakes (Functioning properly to be able to stop the bike fully loaded. You should be able to skid the tires if you hit the brakes hard enough) C=Chain (lubricated and running smoothly with gear changes)

I would also add a D (ABCD) D= DoNut ( Do make sure da Nuts are tight!That is the wheel nuts on the front and rear wheels)

Changing Driving Habits and Informed Decisions; The Auto Industry

2010-12-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

I am pro cycling, but that doesn't mean that I am anti-automobile. After all I do drive a car. In fact I drive a car many more miles than I ride my bike. In trying to promote cycling I do not want to be anti automobile, but rather focus on the advantages of cycling. However, today I have a beef against the automobile industry.

I have been researching devices that can help you monitor fuel consumption costs and help improve your driving habits. (See my previous blog) These devices are available for just about every car manufactured after 1996, using the cars' on board computer. There is all kinds of information that is tracked with these computers. It seems to me that the North American auto industry feels they should keep this information away from the average car driver. (Some of the European Auto manufacturers like VW have been making basic fuel consumption info available for years)

Imagine if all cars showed you how efficient you were driving in terms of fuel efficiency and what each trip cost you. Maybe people would improve their driving habits, use less fuel and even drive less altogether!? The auto and oil industry wouldn't like that! Anytime the "Check Engine" light comes on you need to take the car to a mechanic, and they plug in one of their computers to tell you what is wrong. (usually charging you significantly just to do that) These devices like the Scanguage can give you that same information. Don't tell me that it would be too expensive to include all this type of information in the standard gauges at the time of manufacture.

Why do the auto manufacturers feel they cannot trust a car owner with this information? Seems like another example of keeping information away from the consumer, and not letting people make informed decisions.

I would like to suggest to our politicians that they enact new legislation that requires all new automobiles to have these gauges incorporated into the standard instrumentation of all vehicles. I have already spoken to the Green Party about this and it has been received very positively. What about our other political parties? I will be interested to see which one is willing to take on the auto giants!

I will be ordering a Scangauge for myself and will be happy to lend it to people to see how it works.

If you read the reviews of the aftermarket devices available now (Like Scangauge and Econodriver) you will see that people find it changes their driving habits for the better. It's part of the solution!

Sharrows

2010-12-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of articles from Mia Birk's Blog regarding Sharrows. Timely as we hope to see what the District of Sooke will be doing regarding Sharrows and Bike lanes. The plans for a bike lane on Rhodonite were nixed by residents, and council was supposed to be looking into trying sharrows.
Here are the two articles; Seattle's Sharrows; Love Em or Hate Em? and
Four Solid Uses for Sharrows

A $ way of encouraging people to ride a bike

2010-12-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

There is technology out there that will help people see what each trip they take in their car costs. Check out the Scangauge and EconoDriver. Scanguage is available in Canada here
Can you imagine how it might change people's habits if they had a cab meter in their car and they could see their money spent on gas vaporizing each trip they make?! It could be a great tool to compare cost of public transit to a private vehicle. After all we can't convince everyone to ride a bike because it is fun and healthy for you. Some people will react better to the dollars and "sense" approach.

Making your Intentions Known

2010-12-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

A crucial aspect of cycling is to make your intentions known to motorists as well as pedestrians and other cyclists. This along with predictability helps to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow. It is all the same reasons why automobile drivers learn to use turn signals, and to follow the rules of the road.

Using turn signals is also very important for cyclists. Most of us know the standard signals, though they have changed somewhat. It used to be left hand out for left turn and left hand raised up for a right turn. Riders are being encouraged to use their right hand outstretched for a right turn. This is simple and leaves no room for ambiguity. The other day I saw a cyclist making the old right turn signal, and I couldn’t be sure whether they were turning or waving to someone in the car next to them.

As well as signaling, make sure you do a shoulder check before signaling, then once again after the signal. Never compromise control of your bike by removing your hand from the handlebar if it is unsafe to do so. The act of turning your head to look beside and behind, often indicates to drivers that you might be planning to make a move.

Having made your intentions known, it is prudent to confirm that the drivers have seen you. Eye contact is an effective way of doing this. Don’t assume that just because someone is looking in your direction that they see you. Communicate your intentions clearly and drivers will appreciate it and respect your right to be sharing the road with them.

Pedal Points; Visibility Part 2

2010-11-14T13:13:00.001-08:00

Being seen is crucial for road safety, for all road users. Cyclists have the added advantage of being able to hear motor traffic. (that's why it is a bad idea to wear earphones and listen to music while riding) Motorists generally cannot hear a cyclist which makes it particularly important to be seen.

In addition to bright clothing and lights as mentioned in my previous article, a crucial aspect to being seen is how you position yourself on the road. Many riders on a road tend to stay as close to the right as comfortable for the conditions. The rules of the road actually say that a cyclists must ride as near as practicable to the right side of the street, except when turning left from a left-turn lane.This is not always the safest approach. By riding far to the right, a cyclist often cannot be seen as well by intersection traffic because they are hidden by parked cars or vegetation. A driver tends to be looking for other cars in the middle of the road, not for cyclists in the shadows of the shoulder, or even worse, on the sidewalks (More about that on a later article) Another danger is being in the drivers' blind spot such as pulling up along a cars' right side in an intersection

Do everything you can to make yourself visible, but ride like you were invisible. Never assume a driver can see you!

Pedal Points; Visibility Part 1

2010-11-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

One of the most effective ways of keeping safe on a bicycle is to make sure that you are seen! This can be accomplished in various ways.

Most obvious is to wear bright coloured clothing or a reflective vest. At night front and rear lights must be used. Even during daylight hours using some of the bright flashing LED lights can help in separating you from the background visual clutter that a motorist is dealing with. Making yourself stand out from the rest of the scenery helps to put you on a motorists “radar screen” a lot sooner, therefore helping them adjust their speed and path to minimize any conflict.

Statistics show that most accidents involving a motor vehicle and a bike are not where the cyclist is hit from behind, but frontal and side collisions. Hence the importance of a front light, even during daylight hours. (Use a bright light in flashing mode)

You don't have to buy the latest in bright lycra cycling garb to make yourself visible, or wear an ugly bright neon green jacket like I often wear. (Hey, I got a good deal on it and people do notice me!) Wear comfortable, normal clothes and use bright fashion accessories like scarves, backpacks, fanny bags, helmets or just throw on a reflective vest.

Pedal Points; Bicycle Safety Articles

2010-10-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

This week the Sooke News Mirror published the first of a series of articles that I am writing on Cycling Safety. Here is a copy of that article;

Thanks to Jim Sinclair of the Mirror for the idea "Pedal Points" as the name for the column.

This will be the first in a series of articles to help both cyclists and motorists understand practices that will lead to safer roads and better understanding of each other.

While most of what I will be sharing is generally accepted, proven and taught widely, some of it will be my personal opinion. No doubt there will be difference of opinions. In fact, in some areas, the cycling community can be quite polarized as to the best ways to go about navigating our highways and byways. On one end are the pure “Vehicular Cyclists” that say a cyclist has the same rights as, and therefore should act as any other motorist. On the other end of the spectrum are those that believe cyclists have special rights and are not subject to the same rules of the road as motor vehicles, and therefore act in various, often unpredictable manners. It is my belief that neither of these two extremes is a smart way to act.

Part of the reason these articles are being written is that there are many misconceptions about safe practices for cyclists using public roads. I will be covering things such as visibility, positioning in traffic, sidewalks, hazards, equipment and riding with children .

An excellent resource is the Bike Sense manual published by the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition. If you would like a copy for yourself or your organization, contact The Juan De Fuca Cycling Coalition at 250-664-6492 or look us up on the internet. Copies are also available at Sooke Mountain Cycle.

One of the most effective ways to increase safety and awareness for cyclists is to get out there! Statistics show that the more cyclists are out on the roads, the more aware motorists are and the safer the roads become. So get out there, be safe and have fun!

Stephen Hindrichs

Seattle using Trilogy 3-Bike racks

2010-10-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

I am in Seattle this weekend and have been seeing the Trilogy 3 bike rack all over! The driver I talked to seemed to be quite pleased with the way they worked.

Scooter Safety

2010-10-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Many people are starting to use electric bicycles and scooters for transportation. I think this is good! Not everyone is able to use a "push bike"( as the term is used in other parts of the world.) It is a much more sustainable way of getting around compared to the automobile in most cases, but there are some safety concerns. Here is an excellent article on Scooter safety by Britt Santowski

Response by our Mayor and District staff to concerns from a visiting cyclist

2010-10-07T23:24:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this post from Average Joe's Cycling Blog. We are not impressing visitors that come by bike!

Life Cycles Film in Sooke Friday Oct 8th

2010-10-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

Check out this film! Friday Oct 8th at EMCS theatre. Admission$10. Lots of door prizes. Amazing cinematography!

Cyclists the problem on our Roads!?

2010-09-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

This letter to the Editor appeared in the Sooke News Mirror in response to the letter I sent in at the beginning of September. Here is a copy of that letter, and after that is my response to Mr Makowsky's letter sent in to the editor this week.

Our driving habits have to change

I wish to thank Don Brown for his letters concerning his near misses on Highway 14. We need to make more people aware of the very narrow margin of error we have to deal with each time we drive the highway. We can come very close to having our lives, or those of other people forever ruined or completely snuffed out, and it can be a matter of inches.
I would love to see all of Highway 14 and Otter Point Road paved with wide shoulders.This is not going to happen right away. It does need to happen for the safety of both cyclists, pedestrians and motorists, but it all costs money. Unfortunately, our government is still not giving cycling and public transit the priority it should. However, even with wide shoulders accidents can still happen. If people drive in an unsafe manner, all the best roads and infrastructures won’t help.
So this is the key. We need to look at our driving habits and realize our responsibility as motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Education and awareness is very important.Contrary to the belief of some motorists, cyclists do have a right to be on the roads. It is the responsibility of a motorist to slow down and pass a cyclist only when it is safe to pass. Sometimes a cyclist will have to move away from the shoulder and into the main lane to avoid obstacles, so it is best to give a good 1.5 metre clearance.
One of the worst offending groups are truck drivers. (speed and unsafe passing) They are not all bad. Some of the drivers are truly professional and don’t let safety sit in the back seat to productivity. It seems the pressure is on them to get as many loads as possible. Perhaps some of the blame lies with the companies hiring them, but it is ultimately the drivers responsibility, and it will be the driver who will have to live with the fact that they just wiped out and killed someone.
On the drive to Victoria from Sooke, even if you had to slow to pass 10 separate cyclists, how much longer would that take? Maybe two minutes at the very most? Is that too much to ask yourself for a more relaxed drive and knowing that you didn’t risk your or someone else’s life today?
Stephen Hindrichs
Juan De Fuca Cycling Coalition

I would like to respond to Mr. Makowsky's letter to the editor of last week.

First of all, I would agree with him in regards to the statement that our cycling habits need to change. There are certainly many cyclists out there who don't have a proper understanding of what is required to cycle safely on our roads. Some just don't know, some are young children who don't have the experience, and in some cases there are a few who just don't care. (Look for upcoming articles in the Sooke News Mirror on cycle safety)

I do however, take exception to the blanket statement : “It's cyclists not the drivers who are the problem” Mr Makowsky, I would suggest that you qualify your statement and give examples of what you mean. By sharing your concerns and observations perhaps some people can learn from their mistakes. I also would ask whether you could make that same statement to families and friends of cyclists, pedestrians and motorists killed or injured by people driving automobiles in an unsafe or reckless manner.

How many people do you know that have been killed by cyclists or pedestrians?

The reality is that people driving thousands of pounds of steel at high speeds have much more potential for doing harm than someone riding a bicycle, hence the requirements for a certain level of maturity and proper licensing. This does not mean that a cyclist cannot injure other people. The potential is there and it does occasionally happen, though usually not with serious or fatal results.

Unfortunately there are still some people who think that cyclists should not be on the roads. Some of those people show their ignorance and disregard for peoples safety by purposely driving too close to bike riders or they try to intimidate them in other ways. This happens all too frequently. I certainly hope that this is not your view Mr Makowsky.

If you would like to discuss this further, feel free to visit the Juan De Fuca Cycling Coalition blog or Facebook page. Thank you for bringing up this subject.

Pave highway shoulders for cyclists, Ontario urged

2010-09-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Pave highway shoulders for cyclists, Ontario urged.
Some interesting statitics!

Great videos on Cycling infrastructures

2010-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

Pedal Power - Doc Zone | CBC-TV

2010-09-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

Pedal Power - Doc Zone | CBC-TV
Bicycles and automobiles have to share the same roads - a recipe for conflict - and many potential cyclists just won't ride in the city because they see it as too dangerous. Add in the plague of bike theft and a lot of cyclists are simply leaving their bikes at home.
Check out the Documentary!

Getting Serious about Bicycle Safety

2010-08-31T07:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a good article on bike safety from a blog done by two women. They talk a lot about how to be stylish on bikes and dress normally, but they also have good insights into safety since they are out there everyday on their bikes. This is their web; Let's Go Ride a Bike
I think it is true that we need to make it so that more people are comfortable riding our roads, not just young males in tight lycra shorts! You should feel comfortable sending your children out on their bikes or your grandmother on her 3-wheeler. The more of us out there the better for everyone, even the motorists!

Encouraging people to drive cars less

2010-08-29T08:09:00.001-07:00

Here are some ideas floating around that I believe have merit for helping to encourage people to drive less.

Pay as you drive auto insurance; This would pro-rate your premiums based on how much you drove in a year. Check out this website and sign the petition if you think it is a good idea.
Some opponents say it is too complicated and requires sophisticated tracking devices in vehicles. Not so! It can be quite simple. When we lived in New Zealand we had to pay road user charges for diesel vehicles based on mileage. It was a simple card that was purchased and displayed in the windscreen and based on odometer readings. Here we could just have the insurance broker check the mileage. This can work!

The other idea is to have a scanguage or similar device installed on all new vehicles and to have some incentive to have people retrofit existing vehicles with one. What this does is to help you monitor your fuel economy and to put an actual fuel cost to every mile or trip that you drive. It would raise people's awareness of the cost of driving and hopefully encourage them to bike, walk, or use public transit!

Pedestrian & Cycling Master Plan Public Meeting

2010-08-27T09:42:00.001-07:00

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Regional PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLING MASTER PLAN is beginning to take shape!

NOTICE OF THE NEXT ADVOCATES’ SESSION:

Thursday, September 16^th, Ambrosia Event Centre (638 Fisgard Street)

5pm to 7pm – Drop In Information Stations

Unveiling of the Draft Regional Networks

Ideas for Transit Integration

Proposed End of Trip Facilities

7pm to 9pm – Special Presentation and Workshop

Keynote: Jessica Roberts explores ways to market walking and cycling to CRD residents

Bike Valet Parking

Really Good Eats

Fabulous Prizes

Nice People

Questions? Call Sue Hallatt at 250 360 3156 or email her at shallatt@crd.bc.ca

HWY 14 road works

2010-08-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

Many of you will have noticed that work has begun on HWY 14 between Sooke and Luxton.
We will not be having bike lanes all the way, but here is what will be happening as per Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure;

The Asphalt Resurfacing contract which is about to get underway will be focused on specific areas which the ministry has identified for asphalt resurfacing. In these locations shoulder widths suitable for the area will be constructed or rehabilitated as needed. The areas under the current Major Works contract are;

· Fullerton Road to west of Luxton Rd.

o 2 meter paved shoulder

· Gillispie Road intersection area

o 1.5 meter paved shoulder

· Ludlow Rd (Coopers Cove) to Kaltasin Rd

o 1.5 meter paved shoulder

· Kaltasin Rd to Charters Rd

o 1.8 meter paved shoulder

At the approaches to Sooke River Bridge the following improvements are planned;

· Asphalt shoulder to be widened to 1.8 meters in width, the most noticeable improvement in this location will be seen east bound from the bridge to the bus pull out near the new park-n-ride where there currently there is little to no existing shoulder.

· Replacement of the existing low concrete roadside barrier at the approaches with a newer standard Concrete Roadside Barrier with proper approach flares/offsets approaching the bridge.

· The project has requested advice on and will implement additional signing which will alert both cyclist and drivers that the shoulders are narrowing at the bridge and to alert drivers to watch for cyclists.

I have also requested that the drainage grates on the bridge be fixed, since the way they are now, they can easily catch a cyclists tire. This will be looked after when the paving contract is complete.

Globe & Mail Article on Cycling Infratructure in Vancouver

2010-06-24T11:01:00.001-07:00

This article shows that we need politicians and municipal officials with vision and guts to move things in the right direction for our future!

Follow up to proposals to Victoria Transit Commission regarding Bikes on Buses and increased carrying capacity

2010-05-31T20:05:00.001-07:00

Well...I was able to find the minutes to the May transit commission meeting and their response to our proposals. They seemed to take it seriously and did some research, however they are not going to implement any of our suggestions. Rather disappointing!

Here is a copy of the original proposal

In my view there are many reasons why these ideas might be difficult to implement, but if there was the demand for such services and people spoke loud enough, I am sure solutions could be found. There just has to be a full committment to really integrating cycling and public transit. Yes it will cost money in some cases, but some of it will involve nothing more than a shift in thinking and setting different priorities.

Here is a link to the Victoria Transit Commission report. Decide for yourself if this item is dead in the water or not! I personally feel that we need to keep pushing for this!

An idea to encourage people to get out of their cars, and to Cycle, Walk or use Public Transit

2010-04-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

Just about everyone agrees that we need to start weaning our society of our excessive use of the personal automobile. We need to encourage use of public transport, car pooling, cycling and walking.

I believe that one very effective way of doing this is to start making people aware of the cost of each trip that is taken. Most of the population is still more likely to be motivated to change their habits when there is a direct impact on their wallet.

The technology for this has been around for a while now. One such device is called a Scangauge. It can measure your actual fuel economy at the moment or averaged over a trip. The current cost of fuel can also be programmed to give a cost per kilometer or per trip. These devices can be very useful in helping people adjust their driving habits to improve their fuel economy. (Volkswagen has been making this sort of gauge as standard in most of their vehicles for years) If the cost per kilometer is displayed it would act something like the meter in a cab, making people very aware of the cost of a trip. This tool could help someone see that it might be cheaper to take public transport, or perhaps instead of spending $2.50 in gas to go to the grocery store, to take a bicycle instead. Even many small trips of only a few blocks end up getting costly over a period of time. The short 5 minute trip we make to drive our daughter to school costs us about $0.80 round trip. That adds up if we were to do it every day!

I believe our government should take the step to legislate the auto manufacturers to make these sort of gauges standard equipment in all new vehicles. This could have a huge impact in fuel savings as people start to adjust their driving habits, and it could potentially improve peoples health if it encourages them to walk or cycle! For existing vehicles there could be some kind of promotion and subsidy to encourage people to purchase and install them on their vehicles.

We must start changing our habits of the free and easy use of motor vehicles. I believe this is one way the government has the power to make it happen.

Stephen

BC Transit Proposals

2010-04-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

Transit Commission Meeting; On March 9th I made a presentation to the BC Transit Commission and presented 3 proposals;

Pilot project to allow bikes on board buses on the Sooke-Victoria and Victoria- Swartz Bay run during summer weekends.
Retro-fit these same routes with racks capable of carrying 3 bikes
Create a policy of allowing folding bikes on board all buses

Here is a link to the actual proposal

All of these proposals were received very well and John Luton was there as well, speaking in support of improving the Cycling/Transit interface and supporting our proposals.

It looks like they will try the Pilot Project and allow folding bikes as well. We should know by the May Transit Commission meeting. The 3 Bike racks have some technical challenges but they will be looking into this as well, though it might take a bit longer to implement. The BC Transit staff was given direction to look into all these proposals and report back in May.

Park N Ride Bike Boxes are Here!

2010-02-05T09:43:00.001-08:00

We now have secure storage for up to 4 bikes at the Sooke Park N Ride. Rental is $10/Month, and you get your own key. Anyone interested contact JDF Cycle Coalition via email or phone.

Proposal to BC Transit

2010-02-04T21:25:00.001-08:00

We will be making another presentation to BC Transit on March 9th.
Here is a link to the proposals that we are presenting.
Please take the time to read them, then if you support these proposals, print, fill out and sign the Letter of Support, and then scan and email back to jdfcycle@gmail.com or send via snail-mail. Alternatively, you can post the Petition at you place of work, and get many people to sign. That can be sent back via email as well, or contact Stephen to arrange a pick up. I would like to have all our names back by the 1st week of March.
Note; If you want to print any of these documents, it is better to download them to get the proper formatting as a Word Document. (Google Docs loses some of the formatting)

Juan De Fuca Cycling Coalition
2179 Henlyn Dr.
Sooke, BC V9Z 0N5
250-664-6492

The more people we have showing support for this, the more likely it will happen. These initiatives have benefits for all communities served by BC Transit

Age of Stupid at Sooke Awareness Film Night Feb 17th

2010-02-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

The term ‘peak oil’ is the buzz word that has been gathering attention from circles as diverse as environmentalists and big business. It’s a future whose reality will soon be upon us. The February Awareness Film Night will take us in for a deeper look at both the ramifications and possibilities. ‘The Age of Stupid’ is being co-sponsored by the Juan de Fuca Cycling Coalition. This film is a hindsight look at global warming. The film takes place in a futuristic world (2055), a world that didn’t heed the warnings of global scientists. Our narrator shows us the path that led to the catastrophic effects of global warming using a series of vignettes; a string of news clips and reports from modern day. All strung together these vignettes give a portrait of a convoluted issue, revealing the social, political and environmental issues that surround our oil dependence. It’s not just a matter of turning off the carbon tap; it’s redefining how the global village interacts.

The Juan de Fuca Cycling Coalition sees some definite opportunities for cycling in new and old forms taking a role in adapting to more sustainable transportation. Taking a closer look at the possibilities the future holds, the intent is to bring together concerns for the age beyond peak oil and ideas for sustainable communities. Armed with knowledge and ideas, we can in fact create a future to bestow upon our children with deep pride. We're in the very enviable position of having Guy Dauncey speak after the film. Guy is sought after as a keynote speaker globally. You'll understand why when you hear his presentation. It's called profound insight and the ability to stir people’s deepest dreams into action. This film leaves one with a feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude and complexity of an issue that’s rocketing the planet ever closer to the point of no return. Guy Dauncey's talk and his inspiring vision replaces the sense of overwhelm with concrete initiatives and fills us with the strength of a vision that can take us beyond the tipping point into a bold new world that has broken it’s fossil fuel bonds. A packed theater and attendance by our community leaders for fruitful discussion afterwards is something to look forward to.

Guy’s new book; The Climate Challenge; 101 Solutions to Global Warming will also be available at the film presentation.

EMCS Theater, Sooke.

Wednesday, Feb.17, 2010

7:00PM

Admission by donation.

Click here for a MAP

Rally against HST on Bikes

2010-01-22T21:55:00.000-08:00

March 3rd, at the legislature. Check it out
http://www.squeakywheels.ca/

New Sooke Park N' Ride

2010-01-16T16:34:00.001-08:00

Check out the article from the Sooke Mirror. I also had a good meeting with Manuel Achadinha this past Friday. There seem to be some technical challenges for getting a 3-Bike rack on the buses, but they are open to ideas and looking for alternatives. We also hope to get approval to allow folding bikes onboard the buses. The other big plan is to start a pilot project of allowing regular bikes onboard buses on certain runs. It would start out to be weekend runs between Victoria and Sooke, and possibly Sidney and the Ferry Terminal, this summer. That would allow larger groups and families to come to Sooke with their bikes to pedal the Goos, explore the Potholes and town area as well as Mountain Bikers to come ride in the hills! It would also allow folks from Sooke to take their bikes downtown for a day in the big city!

Sooke Park N Ride

2010-01-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

Mark Ziegler and I attended the official opening of the new Sooke Park and Ride. We will be getting 2 bike lockers with a total storage for 4 bikes, sometimes by the end of the month. The plan is to first have them painted by our local High School students.
There is also a small bike rack next to the shelter. The plans are for getting some covered bike racks as well in the near future.
I am very pleased with the enthusiasm and interest all the BC Transit staff are taking in encouraging the Cycle/Transit interface infrastructures.
I also hope to be meeting with the head of BC transit soon to discuss some other projects. He is also very keen on improving the ridership by encouraging people out of their cars. I believe he has a very good vision of how things will hopefully become; much more pedestrian and bike friendly in all our communities.

New Approved Bike Signs in the US

2010-01-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Here is something that we might want to start seeing on some of roads to help drivers share their precious road space!
This comes from The Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTDC) in the US

CAN BIKE II Course

2010-01-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

Bike to Work Victoria is putting on a 2 weekend Can Bike 2 Course. This is a fairly involved course for those serious about cycling safely on our roads. The dates are Feb 13/14 & 20/21. Cost is $150.
I will be taking the course if I can get the time off. Also there will be single day adult bike courses available later in the spring in conjunction with Bike to Work Week.
If anyone is interested contact;
Marsha Petty-Johnson
Bike to Work Victoria
Bike Skills Course Coordinator
250-744-4073 Home office
250-360-6362 Cell
250-920-5775 Office (leave message)

5 Reasons to Ride a Bike

2009-12-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some different reasons to ride a bike, other than the more obvious that everybody knows....

December Meeting

2009-12-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

Our next Meeting/Bike Ride is scheduled for Saturday Dec 12th. Meet at the Stick in the Mud Cafe at 10:00. We will then go for a ride (weather permitting) and meet at Farmers Daughter for a snack/lunch around noon, and discuss some of our plans, projects and throw around ideas.

CRD Pedestrian & Cycling Survey

2009-11-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

If you haven't done it yet, this might be a good time to submit the online survey for the CRD Pedestrian & Cycling Master Plan
The survey is on the right side of the page, along with some other interesting links

HST on Bikes; Petition

2009-11-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

Check out MLA Lana Popham's Blog with a petition on the HST for bikes!

Recyclistas

2009-10-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

Check out Recyclistas. I stopped in on my way to Victoria while riding on the Goose. I hope to take one of their bike maintenance courses, and I think they or the Bike Lab Society might want to get involved with our Symposium.

Bikemap.net

2009-10-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here is another bike and hiking route mapping page that I think we should take a look at and evaluate. So far this one and Bikely seem to be the most appropriate for the things we are looking for. Ideally once we decide on the better site, we can promote it by putting routes on it and getting businesses and organizations linking to it on their websites. Post your ideas and feedback here, and if you know of any better sites.

Chip Sealing of our roads

2009-10-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition is dealing with a very important issue on the treatment of our rural roads. Check out their website for more info. This will very much affect the ride-ability of many of our roads for cyclists, but the effects on motor vehicle traffic is also significant. It increases wear and tear on tires, increases noise levels on the road, and it decreases fuel economy due to higher rolling resistance. (That will also make it harder to cycle longer distances) Why are they wanting to do it? It is about 20% cheaper than the existing method. So the government will save money and the citizens will have to spend more! We need to talk to our MP's and MLA's on this one!

Bikely; Web page for bike routes

2009-10-04T10:44:00.001-07:00

Bikely is a web based route finding and creation service. I think we should all start putting good routes that we discover on there. The nice feature is that we can import the routes into Google Earth. I tried it out this morning and created a safe bike to school route that my daughter and her friends have been using. (our user name is JDFCC). You can sign up and start creating your own routes. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Sooke News Mirror Covers Cycle Safe for Youth

2009-10-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

We got some coverage in the mirror this week. Here is the clipping

Scientific American Articles

2009-09-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

I have received an email about an article in Octobers' Scientific American about"how cycle paths have to be safe enough for the risk averse female of the species and organized around her usual destinations: "to the supermarket, the school, the day care center". The piece says the female cyclist is the "indicator species" for bike-friendly cities." Well ladies, I bet you never thought of yourself as an "indicator species" !
Here is that article online. Also I came across this short clip worth reading or listening to.
The bottom line is get out there on your bikes and start making yourself seen! Way to go Cyclopaths and all you other folks getting out there!
Thanks for that Heather and Brian!

Meeting with MOT on Highway 14

2009-09-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

On Monday the 21st of Sept, I met with Wayne Jentsch, the project manager for the paving project on Hwy 14, Dave Edgar, a Transportation Planning Engineer with MOT, and Al Fontes, Director of Engineering for Sooke. We looked at various parts of the highway and discussed different possibilities. It looks very good for getting good shoulders frome Charters Road to around Woodlands drive, just past Sassenos. Also the dangerous little asphalt berms on the side of the road will be removed! The budget is limited of course but Wayne intends to help make it stretch out as far as possible to help make the highway safer. We discussed ways of making the crossing by Coopers Coves/The Fuse, safer and easier to cross. I also discussed the possibility of putting up guard rails on the Sooke River bridge, which along with the re-paving and widening of shoulders would essentially give us a connection from the Galloping Goose Trail to Sooke in a relatively short time. Sooke has, from my understanding set aside funding, along with the CRD to assess the options for a second river crossing as a pedestrian, cyclist and emergency route. This in my mind is still the best way to go in the long term and crucial for many reasons. The route using the existing bridge can give us a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists very soon (hopefully within a year) for very little cost, and allows tourists easier access to the town from the Goose! I have not discussed this yet with the Mayor and council, but I trust they will be receptive to the idea.

Walk and Bike for Life; Gil Penalosa Talk

2009-09-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

Lee and I attended the talk by Gil Penalosa that was put on by BC Transit. A very inspiring and informative presentation. Check out the website for some really good resources. I had hoped some of our council members would have made it there, but unfortunately none were able to make it. If we are serious about making this town pedestrian, cyclist and tourist friendly, we need to pay more attention to this sort of information. We have an excellent team of planners and some really good plans in the OCP, but we need to make sure the commitment and desire is there to follow through. I know that some of our councillors are fully behind this goal, and I believe our Mayor is as well from what I have heard her saying recently. It is very easy to get caught up in the day to day operation and politics of running a town, but we all need to remember to take time to step back and look at building our vision of a community that we want to be part of. We need to take the time to find inspiration!
I hope to be able to speak to the council soon at one of the meetings to share some of what I have learned and some ideas to keep us on track.

CRD Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan

2009-09-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

I attended 2 days of workshops to kick off the CRD Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan. It was an information session with the consultants and a brainstorming session. It is very similar to the process Sooke used for the OCP. One of the big questions is what role the CRD should play in dealing with the different municipalities in the district. It was also determined that regionally significant cycling and walking routes need to be identified. There will have to be further discussions to determine the scope of their role, but in my opinion, (and several other peoples) a good role would be for CRD to act as a central coordinationg agency for information and contacts. They can also help out with funding for different projects and to set some basic standards to create some consistency and continuity between areas.
There is a feedback form that I would encourage everyone to fill out. It is another chance for your voice to be heard. Here it is; CRD Walking and Cycling Feedback Form
There will be more info up on their website soon

CRD Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan

2009-09-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

The CRD has a Citizens Advisory Council for the Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan, of which I will be a participant. The first session starts next week. I will keep you posted on what is happening. In the meantime you can check it our here.
Stephen

Symposium plans for next spring

2009-09-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

Last week we had our first meeting for planning a bicycling symposium in Sooke for next year. It was well attended and we are working on ideas.
The plan right now is for it to be a Cycling and Sustainable Transportation Symposium/Fair
We hope to have various speakers on cycling issues, possibilities and attractions. As well there will be vendors showcasing electric bicycles, hybrids, comfort bikes, recumbent and semi-recumbent, trikes, and folding bikes. This is to help people to see the possibilities that are out there for using cycles as recreation and transportation alternatives. We might also have some electric scooters, Low Speed Electric Vehicles and electric cars.
We also hope to have participation from local governments, BC Transit, RCMP and other interested and related organizations.
We are looking for feedback and ideas as well as people willing to help out with the planning and implementation.
I think this is very exciting. We have a great opportunity here to help bring more members of the public into a different mindset on transportation. I hope that we will draw people from the local area as well as from Victoria, Southern Vancouver Island and possibly from farther afield.
Contact us with your ideas and if you would like to help.

Rhodonite Bike Lanes

2009-09-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

We have suffered a small set back in that there was a large number of residents from Rhodonite that spoke at the council meeting in opposition of the bike lanes. (See my comments on original post) The residents did not want to lose their ability to park on the road and felt that the road was not used much by cyclists. (Mmm..I wonder why?)
It is disappointing since the lanes would have been in by now, however, in the long run we might be better off with a multi-use path. It looks like this might be the next stage. It is more expensive and residents will lose some of their driveways and lawns, but it will allow for some on street parking.
We will be keeping on top of this issue.
See the letter to the editor in the Sooke News Mirror, from one of our members, Mark Ziegler.

A vision we can borrow from Copenhagen

2009-08-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here is an article Don Brown sent me. Check it out here.
This gives us an idea of what it could be like when cyclists start getting out there!
Thanks Don!

Rhodonite Bike lanes

2009-08-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

August 24th Council Meeting. This might be a good time for our members to show up at the Sooke Municipal hall to show a strong voice in support of cycle lanes. If these lanes get squashed, it could set a precedence that we don't want to see.
This is a letter from Neil Poirier;

Hi everyone,

I realize it is summer and people are not thinking about school issues however, an issue has come to my attention and I would like to have people giving it some thought. The District of Sooke is in the process of creating and adding sidewalks, walking trails and bike lanes in and around the town core. A bike lane has been proposed for Rhodonite, which has recently had it's speed limit reduced from 50 to 40 kmh, from Church to Otter Point rd. and is getting opposition from some of the residence on the road. The issue for them is that the bike lane will remove parking from the street, the issue for us is that the bike lane will add another safe option for our kids riding to and from school. I believe the issue will be brought to councils attention at a meeting on Aug 24th and would like to muster some support at the meeting. So if you can make it to the meeting and/or know someone who is interested in traffic safety and kids in Sooke let me know. I'll be out of town next week camping but will contact some of you the following week looking for support.

Hope you are all having a great summer.

Neil Poirier

E & N Rail

2009-08-07T11:45:00.001-07:00

I have copied a letter from Dave Beer of the Nanaimo Cycling Coalition regarding the rail trail concept. It's worth a read and also please go to this Ministry of Transportation site and voice your opinion on the Feedback link

Feedback - E&N Corridor Study

I believe that the founding members of the Island Corridor Foundation have done a terrific job securing the E&N railroad right of way for public use. Prior to their involvement the probability was that it would be broken into smaller parcels for commercial development, something we don’t need nearly as much. We must seize the opportunity to redevelop the E&N right -of - way to maximize the benefit for the citizens of B.C. It may be a long costly process, but it will be well worth it in the end.
I would like to see the easement contain a multi - use path to be used by walkers, cyclists, roller bladers (non - motorized transport in general). I think that there are possibilities for using the existing railway system in ways so they can be commercially viable, so I am not suggesting a rail to trail conversion. Instead, I would like to see a rail with trail conversion, similar to the E&N Trail in Nanaimo. Pedestrians and cyclists share the right of way along the railway easement and where this is not possible the trail moves to adjacent roads. I believe that the railway easement is 33 meters in many places, so there should be plenty of room for both. My understanding is that there is currently a plan in the CRD to do just this in the most southerly part of the E&N Railway easement. (Times - Colonist story July 7, 2009)
British Columbia currently has three rails to trails corridors. They are the very successful and well used Galloping Goose Trail on the Island and two on the mainland, the Kettle Valley Railway Trail and the Great Northern Trail (Nelson to Salmo.) While these are significant, it should be pointed out that the much smaller province of Nova Scotia has made eighteen rail to trail conversions. The only trail with rail conversion in the province is the E&N in Nanaimo. It is a worthy goal to continue this trail for the full length of the E&N easement.
Can you imagine a safe, scenic recreational trail from Victoria to Courtenay - Comox and also across the Island to Port Alberni. This would be a giant boost to eco-tourism and would provide more jobs in many communities. The E&N Greenway (or whatever you choose to call it) could become a world class destination for hikers and cycle tourists as well as providing a wonderful recreational trail for B.C. families. We hear a lot about healthy lifestyles and this is one way that governments can support citizens developing a healthy lifestyle.
The provincial government spent millions off dollars to rebuild the trestles in the Myra Canyon on the Kettle Valley Railroad trail after they were destroyed by the wildfires in 2003. Vancouver Island deserves their support as well. This is also an initiative that should get support from the federal and municipal Governments. The provincial government can assure this happens by setting it as one of their priorities and encouraging the other levels to participate.
I would also like to see that the trains that use the existing railway have the capacity to carry bicycles. This is common in Europe, where cyclists use the train to travel to destinations and then use a bicycle while there. I could see myself travelling to Victoria by train and then using their trail system and roadways to explore the city. This would be a beautiful trip and would be one less car travelling over the Malahat ! Such trips could also be made to Duncan, Nanaimo, Courtenay - Comox, or Port Alberni. All it would require is greater frequency, a more sensible schedule and the capacity to carry bicycles.
Although these views are mine I have heard similar feelings expressed by other members of the Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition and members of the Parksville chapter of the Cross Canada Cycle Touring Society. I look forward to seeing positive steps being taken to make a recreational corridor / greenway a part of the existing E&N railroad.
Regards,
Dave Beer

Rumble Strips

2009-08-07T11:09:00.001-07:00

Here is a copy of an email received from one of our members, Don Brown, regarding rumble strips on the highway. It's something I haven't encountered myself, but it's worth being aware and keeping in mind when we advocate for cycle routes.

"I would just like to share with you a couple of near death experiences I had the other day riding down the Malahat to Victoria.

While coasting at a speed of 40+ km/hr down the Malahat I found the shoulder I was riding on was becoming narrow. It was made worse by the rumble strips along the shoulder. As I rounded a corner I came upon some debris on the shoulder. Normally I would have dodged the material by either moving momentarily onto the road after checking my rear view mirror or dodging it on a wider shoulder. On the narrow shoulder I had no where to go. The rumble strips I have found to be very dangerous for me to ride on with my recumbent bike and the alternative was the ditch which would have resulted in serious injury. I had no choice but to hit the debris and try to stay upright. I barely managed to keep my balance and avoid serious injury or worse. This happened to me twice in one ride - the debris included rocks and loose gravel and the other was pieces of tire and broken glass.

As the Ministry continues to add rumble strips, know that it adds a risk for bicycle riders and at the very least, it would be adviseable to have wider shoulders where the rumble strips are used."

Cycle Safe for Youth

2009-07-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago Constable Jordan Hamlyn picked up the donated items for the program. You might have seen the article in the Sooke mirror. The intent is for the RCMP to stop youth who are seen cycling around the area and give them little gifts for practising safe cycling. Simple things like wearing a helmet, signalling or making eye contact with drivers will get them gifts like a free ice cream, video rental, or bike inspection, and for those caught cycling at night witout lights we have some flashing lights. Hopefully I will hear from Jordan soon as to how the program is going.

An interesting Blog by Corey Burger

2009-07-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

Check out the blog from Corey Burger in Oak Bay!

2009-07-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

This is the first post of the Juan De Fuca Cycling Coalition. Hopefully this will work well as a venue for disseminating and sharing information. I am new to blogging so it might take me a while to get it rolling smoothly. Stand by for updates and links.

Stephen