Laurier Avenue Project - time for a Responsible Cycling Coalition?

Post date: Dec 01, 2010 8:8:43 PM

From: A. Burdett [mailto:ajburdett@gmail.com]

Sent: November 30, 2010 16:45

Laurier Avenue Project - time for a Responsible Cycling Coalition?

Some of you are aware that I've been a bit of a lone voice in speaking on behalf of competent cycling at City Hall this year. Bruce Lowe and Rick Moll have done some lobbying too but I 'm not aware of other experienced cyclists voicing their opinions. Unfortunately we often feel like infidels addressing the hoards of believers at Mecca. To give you an example of what we are up against, Brian March, the OBC rep on the cycling advisory committee, was the only member out of 15 who voted against the Laurier Avenue proposals last week, as I understand his opposition was principally because of the absence of a focus on skills development.

I recently received the link below to an article concerning cyclist crashes from a member of the "Old Farts" cycling group that I am a member of. All of the "Old Farts" are skilled cyclists and members of the OBC. In commenting on the article, I took the opportunity to introduce a proposal to create a group of like-minded individuals to advocate in favour of lawful, skillful, competent cycling through cyclist proficiency training. This in order to get cycle training on the agenda when projects like Laurier Avenue are proposed. Training is rarely mentioned at City Hall. At best, it's given lip service. I doubt whether many "believers" even think it's necessary. On this distribution list there are at least two individuals who have qualified to teach the CCA"s Can-Bike course. The City actually offers Can-Bike courses through its recreation program but you'd never know it.

I've mentioned this issue before to some of you and I believe my message below speaks for itself. I solicit your thoughts and support for this idea also. If there is sufficient endorsement for the idea, and an indication from those of you who may want to be involved (to speak, lobby, help form some simple goals that can embrace wide support, compile an info package, and to create a few web pages) an invitation to interested parties can be extended to others through media such as the OBC forum and TriRudy.

Please let me know.

Avery