Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Vail
I think Calgary is the least bike friendly place I have ever ridden. I don't know how many times I have been sworn at because I had the gall to ride on the road.
|
Agreed. Calgary is definitely not very bike friendly. I agree that there are a lot of cyclists who pull a lot of bonehead moves, but I've got to say that sometimes we're forced to do it. A lot of drivers make it extemely difficult for cyclists, cutting us off, not giving us enough space, honking at us if we're going "too slow", etc. Eventually it gets to the point where we just have to stick up for ourselves. If drivers aren't going to respect our rights as cyclists, then how are we supposed to respect their rights as drivers?
Take 10th ave for example. There's a DESIGNATED bike lane along the whole stretch, yet you would never know it, because cars seem to have no problem plowing through it. Especially when you reach the end where it meets up with 14th street, cars swerve over into the bike lane so that they can turn right without even looking to see if there are any cyclists beside them. I can't tell you how many times I've come close to being hit.
Cyclists aren't perfect, I'm the first to admit, but neither are drivers. There needs to be compromise from both parties in order for things to run more smoothly. Or better yet, the city should make (and enforce) more bike lanes and paths, and then maybe everyone would be happy.