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When clashes occur, cyclists bear consequences continued from p.1 Local cyclists said the incident has caused them to think about their own close calls and to question whether more can be done. "Absolutely terrifying when something like this happens so close to your home," said Drake Tanner Shipway in a Facebook post about the Aug. 14 death. "I bike through this intersection every single day, and this could have easily been me. Biking infrastructure must be a priority for Lakeshore Road." Bike lanes are present on both sides of the road to the west of the Lakeshore Road and Third Line intersection, but not to the east of it. While information about this collision is still being examined, police have released information on other cycling collisions in Halton. Police noted between March 1, 2014 and Aug. 22, 2016, there were a total 314 collisions between vehicles and cyclists in Halton Region. These collisions resulted in 230 injuries and two deaths (one in 2014 and one in 2015). The number of collisions between motorists and cyclists for 2015 alone was 134. And many minor incidents may have gone unreported. Police said of those 314 collisions, the vast majority (nearly 200) happened at intersections or were somehow intersection-related. Statistics tell the story When looking at the drivers in these incidents, 152 were found to be "driving properly" when the accident occurred while 54 failed to yield the right-of-way, and another 29 disobeyed a traffic signal. Police listed one driver as following too close; three as speeding; two as making an improper turn; three as improperly passing; seven as simply losing control; three driving the wrong way down a one-way street; and, two making an improper lane change. A further 58 drivers' actions fell under the category "other." It was a similar story for the category describing the condition of the drivers in the accidents. For 243 of these individuals, police described their condition as normal while 56 were described as being inattentive when the accident happened and three had been drinking. Only one was classified as driving while impaired. need to pay attention to cycling infrastructure." The Town's Sustainable Transportation program co-ordinator, Chris Clapham, said the Town has implemented 185 kilometres of cycling infrastructure over the past five years. He noted it is difficult to have a bike lane that seamlessly stretches across town. "There are times where it will transition to a multi-use trail off-road just due to space requirements and ongoing infrastructure projects," he said. "We recognize there are probably some concerns from cycling groups about the connectivity being piecemeal, but at the same time those cycling groups are well educated on how to cycle in traffic and on the roadway. The Town does have plans for most of the spine network -- Lakeshore, Speers Road -- we have the offroad infrastructure along Dundas Street coming, but it can't be built in one day." Damoff's son Fraser, who is reorganizing Cycle Oakville, said the cycling situation in the town is "incredibly unsafe" for many reasons. He said in south Oakville it's particularly bad. "I can tell you cycling on Lakeshore over the years has actually gotten worse rather than better. There are more cyclists now and a certain animosity is being created between cyclists and cars," said Fraser. 17 | Friday, September 23, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A ghost bike at Third Line and Lakeshore Road is a stark reminder that a male cyclist lost his life at the intersection this past summer. Oakville Beaver reporter David Lea has looked into cycling safety in Oakville. | Nikki Wesley/Metroland One other accident was attributed to a driver's medical issue. Additional driver conditions were listed as unknown. Information about the actions of the cyclists before these accidents was not available. "There are so many different reasons cyclists end up getting struck. You could have a motorist looking down at their phone, which is technically distracted driving, and striking a cyclist.... We also have numerous reports of cyclists that are two, three and four abreast in a live lane of traffic, obstructing traffic," said Sgt. Ryan Snow, Traffic Services Unit supervisor, Halton police. "The bottom line is motorists and cyclists need to work together.... There are lots of people out cycling, however, there are also a lot more cars on the road and as a result, unfortunately the law of averages says you are going to have a close quarters situation between a motorist and a cyclist from time to time." Snow said ultimately, it doesn't matter who is right or wrong, noting it is cyclists who routinely suffer the consequences in these accidents. Oakville North-Burlington MP and longtime cycling advocate Pam Damoff spoke about cycling in Oakville. "I haven't ridden my bike this summer nearly as much as I would normally because of all the construction on Lakeshore and Rebecca and a number of different roads. To be really honest with you, I do think Oakville could be doing better," she said. "When I was on council, I certainly pushed for bike lanes on Lakeshore. That is one of the busiest corridors for cyclists. I have seen a number of people on Facebook calling for dedicated bike lanes along there. Really, it just takes political motivation to make those things happen." Damoff emphasized until the police investigation is complete, it is impossible to say whether better cycling infrastructure would have saved the Oakville cyclist's life. That said, she noted cycling safety in Oakville could be improved with more dedicated and connected bike lanes and signage in construction areas warning drivers to watch for cyclists who may be forced to use the roadway. "I still think Oakville is a safe place to ride.... There is a perception though that it is not a safe place to ride and if people perceive that, they don't ride," said Damoff. "I have heard from cyclists it has been worse this summer. I don't know why, whether all the roadwork has made drivers more agitated. I do think if we are going to be a progressive city and really be the most livable town in Canada, we Separated bike lanes "The big thing I have been promoting is divided, separated and maintained bike lanes so we each have our own thoroughfare and we are not sharing a lane. Create a space for cyclists to ride independent of cars and for cars to drive independent of cyclists. Once you have that, it is so much easier for both groups to get safely from point A to point B." Fraser said bike lanes painted on the road will not stop an accident from happening. He noted a bike lane that is separated from the road by a cement divider or some other piece of equipment greatly reduces that risk. Jill Stephen, Oakville's Senior Manager of Transportation, said the Town currently has no separated bike lanes, but noted they definitely haven't been ruled out. She said the Town's Active Transportation Plan update, which is currently taking place, would be a good opportunity to examine candidate roads for separated bike lanes. see Cycling on p.18 Oakville's ONLY Unlimited Pilates Reformer Packages for $160 (plus tax) per month now available at Barre Life Fitness studio Book your FREE 20 minute consultation with Niki today as spots are filling up fast. 905-337-8338 · 427 Speers Rd. #18 · www.barrelife.ca | info@barrelife.ca