On June 15 and 16, some members of the Sudbury Cyclists Union completed an experiment on Greater Sudbury streets. The experiment consisted of measuring traffic speeds on Southview Drive and Attlee Avenue, two busy residential streets, to test what kind of impact cyclists would have on vehicular speeds and behaviour. Ten cyclists rode their bikes on Southview and four cyclists rode on Attlee, all cycling individually at their own tempos between the hours of 6 and 7 p.m.
A significant reduction in speeds was recorded on Southview Drive by radar gun, with this reduction also strongly felt by the cyclists themselves and even a few curious local residents.
In the case of Attlee, the speed reductions were also noted, but not to same magnitude. Members who participated noted that the greater speed reductions on Southview mainly stemmed from the interaction happening at the median islands and traffic circle – features that have narrowed driving lanes.
Both drivers and cyclists felt uneasy at these locations, resulting in everyone being more careful, with drivers reducing their speeds, for the most part.
Attlee, on the other hand, offered different road features — a straight and flat stretch of road. Cyclists did not have as much of an impact on the driving lane width. Speeds were also recorded without cyclists present for comparison purposes.
Cyclists and bike lanes have a natural calming effect on the roadway, as they reduce driving lane widths, resulting in cars using what they require and not taking the “racing line.”
Cycling lanes also create an extra space between cars and pedestrians, making roads more pleasant and safer for all users.
Critics of on-road bike lanes often cite that bicycles do not belong on the roadway and that roads are too dangerous for bikes. Roads are only dangerous for cyclists if users choose to make it so by driving aggressively, above speed limits or by simply being distracted and unpredictable.
During the experiment, cyclists also noticed that drivers generally seemed more alert, courteous and respectful.
We didn’t have a chance to discuss with drivers other than receiving a few horns, but for that brief hour that we were on the street, it appeared as though the area had returned to being a busy but beautiful and enjoyable neighbourhood full of smiles and life.
With the rising number of people choosing to cycle, the SCU would like to share their opinion that the presence of cyclists on a neighbourhood street is the best and least expensive form of traffic calming available.
We also believe traffic calming initiatives should be addressed with a view of involving neighbourhoods and engaging communities. For those who travel, a great example is the new cycling/pedestrian path recently completed by the City of Temiskaming Shores using, for the most part, existing roadway to link Haileybury and New Liskeard.
The SCU looks forward to making our streets safer for cyclists through advocacy, education and awareness.
Dan Barrette Greater Sudbury
-Posted by Heather Green-Oliver