As the weather slowly warms up in Windsor thoughts turn towards fair weather activities such as cycling. For many cycling is a recreational pastime done on the weekends and evenings after work. But for a few dedicated individuals cycling is a passion that they utilize for commuting purposes. In addition to the health benefits this sport also carries an environmental impact in the form of reducing one’s carbon footprint on this earth. A recent study shows Windsor has only about 40 km of dedicated bike lanes in the city, well short of the targeted 160+ km that was supposed to have been in place by now. Many people I know have expressed a desire to use their bicycle as transportation and commute to work but lament the danger of having to deal with narrow roads, insufficient riding space and angry and disrespectful drivers. Larger metropolitan cities such as Toronto Vancouver and Montreal are a hotbed for urban commuting with some even offering bicycle rental stations throughout the city. While Windsor may not be on the same scale as these centers we can still strive to provide options for people that want to make a difference, get fit and do something for the environment. Cyclists are more connected with their environment and create a living breathing vibe in what is otherwise a concrete jungle. So get those wheels turning and get out there and ride, even if just for recreation. by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine
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Here's my issue- if there is no dedicated bike path- then they should be able to ride on sidewalks. It never made sense to put bikers on the road in the first place. Common sense says a biker is at great risk to sever injury and even death being hit by a car than a pedestrian walking the sidewalk being hit by a biker.
ReplyDeleteAlso- I take issue with the "angry and disrespectful" drivers. I have driven the roads in Windsor and surrounsung areas for years- and I find the most disrespectful are bikers themselves. I rarely see them come to a complete stop at stop signs or use any kind of turn signal.
And what makes me the most angry is I live in Tecumseh- an in the summer a couple nights a week theres a group of bikers that meet at Nationals and the pedal around town. Great idea- but there is no reason for them to be in clusters of 5 or so blocking traffic. I got stuck behind them- expected them to get in single file- and they just ignored my presense. I then honked- and they again ignored me. I finally got right behind them and layer the horn until they were annoyed and moved. Seriously- who the hell do they think they are? I can't call my buddies and drive side by side with them. If they are gonna be on the roads- the respect the rules just as motorists do.