Let's All Take A Deep Breath

There has been a lot of buzz about some incidents between cyclists and motorists recently.

On Sunday, April 26 a motorist impatiently passed a large group of cyclists who were we were riding two abreast near Sidney, where he dangerously swerved in front and brake checked the group.  Thankfully no one crashed and the incident was reported to RCMP.

In another incident that same day, a good friend of mine was pushed into a ditch by a white Audi on Ross Durrance road, which caused him to crash hard and break his collarbone.  The driver fled the scene and RCMP are asking the public for information that could lead to identifying the vehicle/driver so charges can be laid.

In reflecting on these incidents, I fully condemn any actions that threaten the safety and well being of cyclists regardless if the driver is being inconvenienced or if the driver feels that a law is being broken by cyclists (such as not riding single file).   There is no moral or legal equivalent to injure (or threaten to injure or harm) in exchange for that inconvenience or sense of entitlement.   Punishment should be swift and severe in any case where harm to a cyclist was made, especially if it was unprovoked and the driver was the primary aggressor. 

Given these incidents, there are some dynamics at work that we all need to be mindful of.

In speaking with law enforcement of a specific municipality, I was advised that they are receiving an increase of frequency of incidents from the public, where cyclists are being observed riding two abreast, ignoring stop signs, not yielding right of way on intersections/roundabouts, or showing aggressive/rude behaviour to motorists.  I anticipate that the police presence will be increasing along known group ride routes / times and that we may see ticketing of cyclists if Police feel that laws are being flagrantly broken.  

Given the increase in complaints, it is reasonable to conclude that these municipalities may bend to political pressure and refuse special event permits for cycling events in their respective regions.  This could have devastating consequences for major Triathlon and Road Cycling Events that rely on access to roads.  This year the region is slated to host the BC Road Championships, Canadian Masters Cycling Championships, Victoria Half Triathlon, Victoria 70.3 Ironman Triathlon, and others.  

I have also been made aware that the Galloping Goose/Lochside Trail has become a breeding ground for incidents between competing user groups, including "Road Cyclists" regarding dangerous and unsafe passing situations.   With a cocktail of E-Bikes, Scooters, Electric Unicycles, runners, dog walkers, mom's with strollers, it makes no sense to be blasting through at race pace.

What can we do as Cyclists?

The first thing is that we need to be aware and follow the laws of the Motor Vehicle Act, regardless of whether or not we agree with them.  In British Columbia, the Motor Vehicle Act recognizes cyclists as having the same rights and duties as drivers of vehicles. This means cyclists must obey traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, and signaling turns.  That being said, there may  be some discretion in deciding what is reasonable such as making a slow roll at a stop sign vs. a complete stop.  Motorists do this all the time.  

On the topic of group rides, the rules in BC are clear: The BC Motor Vehicle Act specifically states that cyclists must not ride abreast of another cyclist on the roadway. This means cyclists should ride in a single line, one behind the other. There are exceptions for shoulders and designated paths:  If cyclists are on a shoulder or a separated bike path where there is sufficient space, they may be allowed to ride two abreast, provided it's safe and the space is large enough. However, if vehicles are being prevented from passing, cyclists are required to ride single file. 

Self Policing:  We all get caught in the moment during a group ride, to be in the break, to hit a Strava Segment, or to bridge up to another group.   However, these situations by no means give us reason to make dangerous and reckless decisions to blow through stop signs/red lights, not yield right of way, cut people off, and then act surprised when they yell to complain, and flip the bird.   We have to start holding each other accountable otherwise we are normalizing this behaviour and sending the wrong message.   We have to hold each other to a higher standard and not be afraid to call it like it is.

In a case of a dangerous motor vehicle incident, use your camera, note location, time of day, vehicle description, details of interaction to report to Police.  If you are able to safely record an incident on a Gopro, Garmin, or other device, it is the best evidence.  If there are witnesses to the incident, get their names and contact info.  If the incident causes injury to person or damage to property, or poses an imminent threat, call 911.  Otherwise, if the incident is considered as a non-emergency, contact police on their non-emergency number.

As an event organizer, I am becoming well aware that getting permits to special events is getting harder, especially with municipalities telling me they are facing growing complaints about cyclists not following the rules of the road.  As in most things, these situations get political very quickly and the municipality may want to be seen as listening to the public by shutting down cycling events.   If the situation doesn't change or improve, we may eventually reach a point where major cycling or triathlon events will no longer get road access permits approved due to the growing animosity.  

I welcome any comments or feedback as always, so long as it is in the spirit of making cycling safe and enjoyable for everyone.   

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Jon Watkin 

President and CEO - Panache Cycling Sports