Sudbury far from bicycle friendly: Kershaw

Kershaw lost his girlfriend, Sofie Manarin, as a result of a cycling collision in 2001. He started Share the Road in 2009 as his way to help prevent further tragedies.

“It’s important drivers are aware that people are on bikes and using roadways either running or walking now that the weather is getting warmer,” said Kershaw.

“Of course those on bikes or running or walking along the side of the roads need to be reminded in a car versus a human-powered activity, the car always win so let’s all be predictable and follow the rules of the road.”

The Share the Road Coalition is a provincial cycling advocacy and policy organization created to work with municipalities to make their communities more bicycle friendly.

Kershaw says Sudbury still has a long way to go.

“We've been doing this in Sudbury for six years now, and I haven’t seen the changes in bike paths and that sort of thing in town, so it’s obvious our voices still need to be heard,” said Kershaw.

“That’s what Share the Road is all about. In general, everyone wins when we have a safer, more predictable way to get to work and let our kids get to school and enjoy the outdoors a little more safely. That should be our priority.”

Kershaw will lead local residents in five- and 15-kilometre rides on Thursday starting at Science North. Registration begins at 5 p.m. with the riders heading out at 6:15 p.m.