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Drivers, cyclists urged to use caution

It’s that time of year again. The time when snowy roads and early nights give way to long days and warm weather. The time when roads start seeing a lot of action — from motorcycles, vehicles and bicycles.

It’s that time of year again.

The time when snowy roads and early nights give way to long days and warm weather.

The time when roads start seeing a lot of action — from motorcycles, vehicles and bicycles.

And these roads can become a dangerous place if drivers and cyclists aren’t looking out for each other, according to Dan Richter, owner of local bike boutique Café Roubaix.

“Road users are either responsible or they’re not responsible — that goes for both drivers and bicyclists,” said Richter, who’s been riding the roads of Alberta for more than 10 years.

“Often, a bicycle is seen as a toy and not a mode of transportation,” he added.

According to Alberta Transportation, bicycles are considered vehicles and should obey the same traffic laws as every other vehicle on the road. This means cyclists are required to travel in single file, stop at signs and traffic lights, and travel in the appropriate traffic lane.

Richter advised bicyclists to wear bright clothing — to ensure you can be seen — and a helmet when riding the roads, regardless of your age. Bike helmets are only required when the rider is under 18 years old.

For drivers, this means treating the bicycle just as you would any other vehicle on the road. When passing a cyclist, Alberta Transportation requires drivers to change lanes. When parked along a curb, it is the driver’s responsibility to check for cyclists and other dangers before opening the car door.

For Rick Ducommun, a Cochrane-area cyclist, a lot of these rules are going unnoticed — not just by drivers, but by cyclists as well, he said. He said he’s been assaulted by vehicles on a number of occasions while riding his bike, once even knocked unconscious.

He said a favourite trick of drivers is to pass a bicyclist, cut in front and then slam on the brakes, putting the cyclist in danger of running into the back of the vehicle. He said he’s also been squeezed off the road by drivers.

Ducommun said many drivers get frustrated with all cyclists because of the few who don’t obey the rules of the road, or who aren’t ready to be on the roads.

He recommended cyclists perfect biking in a straight path before venturing onto major roadways.

“Some cyclists shouldn’t be on the road, just as some drivers shouldn’t be on the roads,” he said.

“I don’t necessarily think we need separate lanes for bikes, just a stronger promise of safety,” said Ducommun. “… We just need to recognize that we’re sharing the road and make reasonable decisions.”

In November 2012, a representative of Urban Systems presented the Bicycle Network Plan to council. The plan proposed to expand the town’s off-street pathway system, as well as incorporating on-street bike lanes.

According to Urban Systems research at that time, 1.4 per cent of Cochrane residents ride a bike back and forth to work.

“We’ve done a lot of work already to plan for the future of Cochrane as a complete community,” said mayor Truper McBride. “That includes having mobility choices such as pedestrian corridors, cycling lanes and transit.”

But the lack of bike lanes shouldn’t discourage cyclists from hitting the streets. In fact, McBride urged Cochranites to experience their town from the seat of a bike.

Both Ducommun and Richter said the biggest tip for road-riding cyclists is to be aware of your surroundings.

“If you’re obeying the law and paying attention — safety shouldn’t be a problem,” said Richter. “It’s best for cyclists, especially, to know what’s around them — a vehicle outweighs them by a couple tonnes.”

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