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OPINION Institute a mandatory road safety program for cyclists MP Pam Damoffs invita­ tion to participate in a sur­ vey and discussion on mak­ ing roads safer for cyclists brought some thoughts to mind that I wanted to share. I would like to address a particular problem I en­ counter frequently as I drive in Oakville and else­ where. In addition to per­ sonal driving in town, I also work as a part-time custom­ er shuttle driver for an Oak­ ville auto dealership. Dur­ ing my 10-hour shifts as a driver, I encounter cyclists in all areas o f Oakville. De­ spite bicycle lanes and prominent lane markings, which do serve to alert ve­ hicular traffic to cyclists, I encounter the follow ing cy­ clist infractions on a contin­ uous basis: . Cyclists do not stop for clearly-marked stop signs or red lights at intersections, but ride through the inter­ sections, often without even decreasing their speed. • No cyclists dismount from their bikes at cross­ walks in order to safely cross the intersection (I have ob­ served parents leading their children across marked in­ tersections without dis­ mounting). • No hand signals are used to advise vehicular traffic o f the cyclist's intent. • Groups o f cyclists do not form single files when riding on marked, or un­ marked roads, usually rid­ ing two or three abreast. This is particularly hazard­ ous on country roads such as Sixth Line, north o f Dun- das Street. A ll o f these infractions of the Highway Traffic Act clearly endanger the cyclist, and are not attributable to vehicular traffic inattentive­ ness. Road safety is a shared re­ sponsibility by both vehicu­ lar traffic and cyclists. As I have observed continuously, it appears that cyclists want to place the onus on the driv­ er without taking personal responsibility for their own actions. I would strongly advo­ cate that a system of rider education be instituted, where anyone who wishes to ride a bicycle on public roads must complete a road safety program and receive a completion card to indi­ cate they have passed such a course. Perhaps this should start at the elemen­ tary school level. We are doing much to en­ sure that drivers share the road with cyclists safely, so much so that laws have been enacted to provide ad­ ditional protection for cy­ clists. Much money has been spent on road lane mark­ ings, awareness programs and changes in laws. Noth­ ing has been done, however, to ensure that cyclists know and obey the rules o f the road. As we all know, lives are at stake here. It behooves all cyclists, however, to abide by the rules of the road. A ll drivers would wel­ come any measure that en­ sures cyclists obey the rules o f the road for their own safety. John C. Goetze, Oakville ■ SAYING IT ON SOCIAL M E D IA • The story: After 50 years in Oakville, Tim Hortons is moving its head office This is the right move. The company's got to find the young talent and the majority of young professionals prefer to work in the downtown core. Also, (it is) close to the tech­ nology and marketing ven­ dors who already work with (Tim Hortons). If you want young and bright talent, this is the correct move. Asim Khan Gone is their last shred of 'community-based, home­ grown' fagade. Debra Butler Yea, that's dumb: go where real estate is more expensive, when you have perfectly good space that everyone who works there is used to in terms of commute, etc. Deep M ehta Corporations evolve and business needs change. You have to respect that. The company is clearly going in a very different direction these days but they ignore their brand reputation at their per­ il. Their employees will cer­ tainly miss the beautiful com­ munity of Oakville but we'll have no trouble attracting others here. It's one of the best places to do business and live. Lesley Taylor Letters to the Editor See what our readers are saying about the issues that matter to them. www.insidehalton.com/letters T r a d y o T u r n s =rave.ca• • flyers. coupons. shopping lists. trody© Y o u r C l u t t e r I n t o C a s h . S h o p S m a rt Get coupons for products you use and love Print coupons instantly or receive by mail - free! Redeem coupons at any major retailer in Canada. Visit www.Tradyo.com • metroland Buy and sell in your neighbourhood. t r a d y o Learn m ore a t Save.ca/mobile Chat Call orText Lifejacket © K O X $15 ANDROID APR ON ^ G o o g le -p la y Download on the V AppStore GoogTe-play o> | O akville B eaver | T hursday, A pril 26,2018 insidehalton.com http://www.insidehalton.com/letters http://www.Tradyo.com