The increase in popularity of e-bikes, as discussed in your recent article, “Are e-bikes safe?” [published online Aug. 6] emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of cyclists by encouraging personal protective gear and establishing bike lanes.
I would like to put in a word regarding the safety of pedestrians on trails shared with cyclists, including standard and electric-assist bikes. The days of a cyclist coming up behind a pedestrian and ringing a bell or verbally warning of their approach seem to be long gone. Bikes travelling a high speed pass by just off my left shoulder. The kinetic energy of a 50-70-pound bike plus a 150-pound cyclist would be enough to kill a pedestrian.
I believe there should be a public campaign to educate cyclists about protecting the safety of pedestrians. The following responsibility code could be adopted:
Responsibility Code for Urban Cyclists:
1. Obey all traffic signals and signs as per the BC Motor Vehicle Act (MVA).
2. Always yield to pedestrians.
3. Wear a helmet at all times.
4. The bicycle should have a horn or bell.
5. On shared urban trails, slow down when passing pedestrians.
6. If approaching a pedestrian from behind, give a warning either verbally or with the horn or bell.
7. Do not operate a bicycle on sidewalks.
Peter Blair
Squamish
