To the Editor,
Re: Cyclist dies after collision with car in Nanaimo, Nov. 19.
Your paper reported that another cyclist has been killed by a motor vehicle in Nanaimo. The motorist was absolved of any responsibility in the accident because the cyclist did not have the required safety equipment on the bike and was not dressed for maximum visibility. In other words, the motorist didn’t stand a chance.
Several years ago, a cyclist was killed by a motor vehicle as he rode his bike down Departure Bay Road on the sidewalk at night. The bike shot across Singleton on the crosswalk and was struck by a motorist making a left turn off Departure Bay Road. Again, the motorist didn’t stand a chance.
The other night I had the good luck to avoid hitting a young cyclist who came out of the dark onto a crosswalk on Dover Road. The bike had no light and the operator had dark clothing.
I managed to brake and avoid what could have been a repeat of the earlier tragic accident. Luckily, there was no car behind me, otherwise I surely would have been rear-ended.
It would appear that too many cyclists have a death wish. However, I believe the responsibility for this reckless behaviour lies with city council. The prime responsibility of city council is public safety. The problem is not just cyclists but also motor vehicles.
A quick check with the publication Road Sense for Drivers – B.C.’s Safe Driving Guide, confirms that rules of the road are being totally ignored by an increasing number of road users.
And why is this you may ask?
Simple – there is no compliance because there is no enforcement.
And that is because city council does not consider, or possibly realize, public safety is its No. 1 priority.
Why not?
Norm Godfrey
Nanaimo