Editor:
With our snow melting, bikes are moving back onto the streets of Kamloops, but spring conditions bring challenges for both cyclists and drivers.
It will still be a while before road shoulders are cleaned.
Right now, even bike lanes are packed with gravel and leaf litter that is often covering snow, ice, plastic shards, lost bolts and broken glass.
This means cyclists are often much farther out into the street than is typical in summer.
Cyclists know it is safer to cycle in a predictable straight line than move in and out from the curb as debris permits.
They also know that you can’t safely brake when riding on gravel that is sitting atop pavement. This may lead drivers to thinking cyclists are blocking a lane and cause some frustration.
Please understand that no cyclist wants to be in front of a moving car.
As we start living with each other again (with kudos to those who cycle through the winter), can we ask drivers to pass cyclists slowly, with care and with at least a metre of separation?
And can I ask my fellow cyclists to make this the year you halt at every stop sign and red light?
Predictability and respect on the part of both drivers and cyclists will get everyone to their destinations safely.
Rob Higgins
vice-president
Kamloops Association for Low-Carbon Transportation
