So before I start I would just like to inform you I arrived in Vancouver on July 16th and have been here since then, I have gotten a job working with a recycling company and will be here for at least a few more weeks before heading south on my bicycle making my way slowly to California for the winter.
Until this new bike tour commences I have a couple other things I’d like to share with you, and this is one of them.
To most people Vancouver comes off as a very bike-friendly city, I mean that’s what I was always told and heard whenever anyone would ever speak of those 2 subjects at the same time. Since my arrival I feel still pretty strongly that the groundworks for bicycles and how they are viewed in this city are strong, positive ones. However, when it comes to something that inhibits the use of cars in Vancouver the whole opinion on bicycles in the city change.
This summer and this whole year really has been one of strong debate on many topics, mainly the Olympics, but also included in these debates are bicycles and how they fit into the cities urban planning. The first big change was taking the Burrard bridge and switching one car lane into a permanent bike lane, this happened almost 3 weeks ago, but has been topic of big debate for much longer than that and continues to be. Many critics of the bridge argue that it is just a device used by the mayor to appease a minority in the city when in fact there is not a single bridge in Vancouver with a bicycle lane wider than a typical sidewalk, unless it is shared with cars. In the city itself though are many, many bicycle routes that are used on less busy streets and connect you to the entire city, so the only thing missing are ones on bridges, and with such busy inner-city traffic a bicycle lane is not only for convenience but for safety. However commuting motor-traffic has taken a hit in losing this lane, being forced to take an alternate route to their destination.
Who’s right?
Another much more recent topic is that of Critical Mass, which I participated in this past Friday, where several thousand cyclists took to the streets, and began an undetermined route/destination ride for the better portion of 2 hours. I have participated in many CM(Critical Mass) in the past in many different cities but never one of this size, I was blown away by the intensity and sheer awesomeness of it. Blocking traffic, police support, singing, cheering, laughing, just a great time. With every good time though comes a bad time for someone else, and in this case the “victim” was once again automobile drivers, who were frustrated at the fact that they had to wait extended periods of time to get from point A to point B. What further annoyed the motorists was the fact that the police were accompanying the CM through the city, and were unable to inform the media on the route as there isn’t one (as they would for a parade or demonstration). Many cyclists also argue that the CM has gotten to big and has lost its initial purpose of being a political protest for bicycles to be further acknowledged, viewing CM as just a parade without a real purpose except to annoy motorists.
In a city where several large highways run right through it, traffic lights are everywhere, and certain roads prohibit bicycles, is all this debate necessary? Do bikes need to cool it? Or do motorists need to share a piece of the pie? Or are there more important things to be worrying about?
I’d really like to know what you all think, and if you have similar stories from Vancouver, or another city.
As cities, congestion and fuel prices continue to grow we need to open our arms (and our hearts) to alternatives whether it be public transit or self-propelled transportation.
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Discussion Take a look at what is being said about this article.
Kristen Carlson, on August 28th, 2009 says:
There was recently a “Critical MANNERS” ride in Vancouver, where participating cyclists followed the rules of the road- stopping at red lights, using proper hand signals (and I’m not talking about the finger) and using the right lane when possible. I doubt if that would ever replace critical mass, because any minority will tell you that pissing off the majority is empowering and pretty fun even if it is ineffective in furthering a cause. I think the manners riders are on to something. The gap between cyclists and motor vehicles needs to be bridged and if people behind their wheels have enough time to lay off their horns, they might just realize they’d rather be feeling the breeze in their hair and pumping pedals on the way home.
Josh, remember me- the cookee from camp Kiwanis during training week? I’m going through Vancouver next week. We should meet up. How do I get a hold of you?
joshua suppan, on September 3rd, 2009 says:
critical manners, I heard about that.
Those cookies rocked!
uhmm I’m not in vancouver anymore. I’m in the Okanagan, more specifically, Oyama.
I dunno if you’re passing through here, but if so I’m livin on a huge orchard plenty of space to hang out, and such.
my email is joshsuppan@gmail.com .