CYCLE THERAPY: DECEMBER, 1994
CONTENTS:
1) SANTA CLAUS TO CYCLE THIS YEAR, by Dale Hitchcox
2) DEAR NON-MEMBERS. . . by Dale Hitchcox
3) GOOSE GETTING BIGGER, by Dale Hitchcox
4) NEWS FROM THE PREZ, by Blair Marshall
5) OUR FOURTH AGM, by Dale Hitchcox
6) VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
7) LOCAL BICYCLE COMMITTEE REPORTS
a) SAANICH, by Joanne Clark
b) ESQUIMALT, by Ray Hall
8) VICTORIA BIKE MAP, by Tim Isaak
9) CYCLE THERAPY: HOW YOU CAN HELP
10) GONGS GONE
11) TO SERVE AND PROTECT WHOM? by Terry Connellan
12) HARD-HEADEDNESS PAYS OFF, by George Heffelfinger
13) MEET THE MEMBERS: DENISE SAVOIE, by Dale Hitchcox
14) RIDING WITH RAY, by Ray Hall
15) VANCOUVER ISLAND SAFETY COUNCIL UP-DATE, by Vanessa Kuran
16) LETTERS
1) SANTA CLAUS TO CYCLE THIS YEAR
by Dale Hitchcox
On December 1st, at a North Pole press conference, Santa Claus announced
that he and the reindeer would be using bicycles to deliver Christmas
presents this year, instead of the sleigh. 'The sleigh does the job fine and
it doesn't pollute' said Claus, 'but there's a lot of sitting involved. I
like to move my legs around. It puts me more in tune with my environment.
Cycling also gives me a sense of well being. I can appreciate the stars more.'
When asked whether he could deliver presents throughout the world in a
three-hour span, without the use of the magical sleigh, Claus replied ' God
usually doesn't make exceptions to the laws of physics - it took us years to
get the Law of Gravity waived on the sleigh - but even she was amazed at how
efficiently, and benignly, cycling covers medium-sized distances, so she
bestowed on us the ability to time warp over the oceans and uninhabited
areas, just like with the sleigh. Whoops! Did I say time warp? You didn't
hear that.'
When asked if he felt comfortable on the road as a first-time cyclist Claus
replied 'The deer and I took Ray Hall's CanBike II course in April so we all
know what we're doing on the road: what lane position to be in in every
situation, when to shoulder check, etc. . . I was really surprized at how
quickly the deer caught on because, well, they're deer.'
In closing Claus said 'Merry Christmas GVCC. I hope you succeed. I know
Gavin MacPhail is over thirty but he was an especially good boy this year so
I'm going to drop something off at his house.'
2) FROM THE EDITOR:
by Dale Hitchcox
DEAR NON-MEMBERS. . .
The 400 cyclists who have joined the GVCC are getting what they want, namely:
'The gradual construction of the Commuter Bikeway Network. This system of
cycling arterials will eventually allow cyclists and motorists to get where
they're going without getting in each other's way.
The continued development of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. By late
1995 cyclists will have a paved, flat, car-free cycling route stretching
from Quadra St., at McKenzie, to downtown. By early '96 it could also
stretch from downtown to Colwood. In both cases, if you live near the Goose,
you'll be able to experience the luxury of car-free commuting.
In three years this greenway could run to the ferries and provide access to
a network of recreational trails winding all over the penninsula. On
weekends you and your family could turn off the TV, hop on your bikes, cycle
in total safety along the Goose to the nearest traihead, and witness the
greatest show on earth.
Proposals for region-wide defensive cycling training for the majority of the
population. Such training would result in cyclists and motorists being more
aware of each others rights and responsibilities on the road; reducing the
stress level, and dangerous interaction, between both road users.
In 1994 various local governments spent almost 1 million dollars on these
projects . . . all because of 400 cyclists.
To you cyclists reading this who are not members, but wish to support the
process that is happening right now, here are three things you can do,
listed in order of effectiveness:
1) Get cyclist training. Some motorists treat cyclists as a joke. From the
way two thirds of them ride I can see these motorists' point. Not only do
most cyclists ride unsafely ( the one's I have talked to don't even know
they are cycling unsafely), but their lane position leads me to believe that
they don't entirely believe they have as much right to the road as the
motorist.When more cyclists begin taking their rights and responsibilities
seriously then so will motorists, the police, and the courts.
Professional training, such as that found in Ray Hall's CanBike II course,
can be had for $80. That $80 opens the door to a lifetime of more
confidence, safety, and freedom on the road. Also, If you are involved in an
accident and seek remedy through the courts, then being a certified, trained
cyclist will lend credibility to your version of the incident. If you are in
the right, then available expert witness testimony from a CanBike instructor
will also help the judge decide in your favour.
2) Join the GVCC. At this point in time we are the most effective agent for
your interests as a cyclist.
Presently, cyclists account for 5% of people using the transportation
system. Money spent now, by local government, to encourage that number up to
20% will save everyone in this region far more in the future.
This region is growing. Having cyclists comprise 20% of road users allows
all users to stay at our present level of traffic congestion fifteen years
from now. That's a lot of congestion, pollution, and costly road expansion,
that can be completely avoided.
You are being asked to support us to get the ball rolling because, despite
this year's gains, most people in government, and the general public, are
not aware that encouraging those who can and want to cycle solves
transportation problems more effectively, and much cheaper than, encouraging
the use of more cars.
3) The next municipal elections are in November 1996. When deciding who to
vote for, factor in your interests as a cyclist. At election time the GVCC
will be publicizing the candidates positions and records on cycling.
3) GOOSE GETTING BIGGER
by Dale Hitchcox
Two funding announcements made last month mean that, 14 months from now, the
Galloping Goose Regional Trail will be longer and more continuous.
On November 9th CRD Parks told the GVCC that $275,000 will be spent to make
passable the Todd and Charters Creek heritage trestles (see map). The
structural upgrading, decking, and railing will be complete by early '96 and
will make the western end of the Goose safe and continuous.
'This is a big project for us,' said Jeff Ward, CRD Parks Planner. 'We've
been working to get the funding to upgrade these two trestles since 1990.'
On November 21 Andrew Petter, minister responsible for the Provincial
Capital Commission (PCC) and MLA for Saanich South, announced that money
will be provided to make passable two trestles along the Saanich portion of
the Goose near Swan Lake. The Swan and Brett trestles will be upgraded at a
cost of $180,000: the PCC providing $100,00, the Ministry of Transportation
and Highways (MoTH) $50,000, and the BC Heritage Trust $30,000.
'Restoration of these two trestles will add another key link to a walking
and cycling trail connecting Saanich and Victoria with this region's growing
network of greenways,' said Petter.
The stretch containing these two trestles, running from Saanich Municipal
Hall to Quadra Street, is presently surfaced with gravel. Saanich will pave
this portion in Spring 1995 to link up with the portion they paved this
summer running from Saanich Hall south to the Victoria border at Alpha St.
Judy Brownoff, Saanich Councillor and chair of the Saanich Bicycle Advisory
Committee (SBAC) said, 'We are developing this route because the SBAC and
Saanich Council place a high priority on providing safe commuter and
recreational links for cyclists as a transportation alternative to the car.'
When asked about one of the 'missing links'; the presently hazardous
Trans-Canada Highway crossing near Town & Country Shopping Centre, Brownoff
replied, 'That area is under the domain of MoTH. The SBAC would like to see
them provide a grade separation allowing continuous passage for all user groups.
'Any bicycle trips we can generate as an alternative mode of transportation
will reduce the air pollution caused by the use of cars,' she said. ' It's
time MoTH recognized that cycling is a viable transportation alternative.
The cost of cycling paths, or corridors, is small when you consider the cost
MoTH is looking at in road expansions that are solely to encourage car use.'
Another gap in the continuity of the Goose is the 6km-long portion running
north of the Trans-Canada Highway between Town & Country and Colwood. Jeff
Ward at CRD Parks said, 'Our goal is to complete this missing link. Doing so
will require separated grade crossings at major roads, bridges, and a paved
surface.'
A few years from now, if CRD Parks has its way, the Galloping Goose will be
a continuous route running from Sidney to Victoria to Leechtown and beyond,
acting not only as a recreational and commuter route in its own right, but
also as a starting point for public access to a network of interlocking
trails weaving throughout this whole region.
In response to all these developments GVCC President Blair Marshall said,
'The GVCC played a major role in the progress now taking place along the
Trans-Canada Highway and Victoria/Saanich sections of the Goose. All
together, since 1991, our volunteers have invested over 1,000 hours
advocating the conversion of these abandoned rail lines into commuting and
recreational routes for cyclists and pedestrians.'
4) NEWS FROM THE PREZ
by Blair Marshall
The GVCC has a big year ahead of it. We've just finished a big year, and the
momentum that propels us is growing. Our membership has gone from 250 last
year to over 400; with twelve to thirteen new members signing up each month.
The Bike Map we published this fall was a great undertaking and responds to
a long-felt demand from cyclists for their own map. Its presence all over
this region will greatly increase our profile.
Seeing a need for permanence and continuity, we rented modest office space
and have begun to create a cycling resource centre.
We recognized an innovative service, and a potentially lucrative money
maker, by tackling bicycle valet parking at UVic for the Commonwealth Games.
With each issue this newsletter continues to improve as a source of
information about the local cycling scene.
Our expectations have grown as well. Because of our expanded activities,
many of us have been discussing hiring a full-time staff person to act as a
coordinator. We've also discussed renting an office with drop-in
accessibility for our members.
These developments inside the GVCC have been matched by changes in the local
political environment. The Province, Saanich, and Victoria have decided to
spend the money necessary to rehabilitate the abandoned CN right-of-way for
cyclists and walkers. The right-of-way funding announcement on November
21'for the restoration of the Swan and Brett trestles'even included $50,000
from the Ministry of Transportation and Highways (MoTH).
In May the Province announced its Transportation Demand Management policy.
One of the alternative modes of transportation it seeks to promote is cycling.
This increase in credibility for cycling as a transportation option has been
accompanied by greater credibility for our organization. For example, Andrew
Petter, Minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission, and
Minister of Forests, spoke at the GVCC Annual General Meeting and delivered
a pro-cycling message. Now, even MoTH seeks our input on some projects.
We have the potential in Greater Victoria'probably like no other urban
centre in the country'to make our community a cycling paradise. The mild
year-round climate, and the relative closeness of many people to their
commuting destinations, means cycling can be a practical means of
transportation, for many people, twelve months of the year.
But there is still so much to do. For example, the Province is spending
hundreds of millions of dollars on the expansion of the Island Highway, but
we still aren't sure cyclists will be allowed to ride on it when it's done.
The CRD came out with it's long-awaited transportation strategy, but it's
recommendations for cycling are disappointing and short-sighted. Saanich
leads the region with its Bicycle Advisory Committee, but some of the other
municipalities are resistent to even forming one.
In the two years that I've been involved with the GVCC, the amazing amount
of effort and dedication from the volunteers has moved me: the clean-up
effort of the CN right-of-way; the hours spent in committee meetings;
Saturdays at the Moss Street Market information table; the articles written
for this newsletter; the delivery of Cycle Therapy by our members; the
efforts put into our Fuel Free Cycle events; the design and production of
several T-shirts'I could go on.
Although we have accomplished much in the four and a half years we have been
in existence, the new Board of Directors has moved to make the GVCC even
more effective. At our November 23 meeting, for example, we passed a
'Policy on Workgroups'; a framework for establishing GVCC committees. We
feel this policy will increase our effectiveness by motivating more people
to join in planning activities, lobbying public officials, making all kinds
of decisions and taking all kinds of actions.
The GVCC has had committees since it was formed, but by setting up a formal
structure with clear guidelines dealing with the authority, responsibility,
and accountability of workgroups, we hope more members will allow their
creativity to flourish, and pursue the goals of the GVCC in a more coherent
way. So far we have established a Fundraising Workgroup and a Membership
Workgroup. If you have ideas, and would like to get involved, call me or
one of the other directors listed in this issue.
5) OUR FOURTH AGM
by Dale Hitchcox
'In 1994 our members continued to build upon the accomplishments of the
previous four and a half years' said acting GVCC President Nitya Harris in
her opening address to the 85 people in attendance at the GVCC's fourth
Annual General Meeting (AGM), held the evening of November 16 in the Central
Library meeting room.
'This year we saw progress on many fronts: the construction of key segments
of the Commuter Bikeway Network in Saanich: the commitment of 1 million
dollars in total by the Province, CRD Parks, Saanich, and Victoria towards
developing more of the abandoned CN Rail right of way into the Galloping
Goose Regional Trail: the expansion of our Bicycle Advisory Committees, now
representing the interests of cyclists to most of the municipalities: and
the negotiations with MoTH which brought about the inclusion of cyclists
into the preliminary plans for the Colwood-to-Victoria leg of the
Trans-Canada Highway expansion. Our volunteers were the catalyst for
bringing these things about, and much more!'
'Because of our efforts,' she continued, 'we end this year one step closer
to achieving our goal of making cycling a viable transportation and
recreation alternative.
I think I speak for us all when I say that, besides being productive, 1994
was a lot of fun and a wonderful opportunity for us all to learn and grow.'
Elections took place with the positions of President and six Directors being
filled by acclamation. Blair Marshall is the new President, moving there
from the position of Secretary. Paul Petersen begins a second term as
Director at Large. Peter Carrilho, Anne Fritzel, Sandi Kerr, Francis van
Loon, and Sarah Williams all begin their first elected terms.
Retiring, after fulfilling a 2-year term was Sylvia Waddell. Resigning after
1-year terms were President/former Vice President Nitya Harris and Treasurer
Dale Hitchcox. Brad Hagen and membership manager Tim Isaak begin the second
halves of their terms. (Ed.'s note: at a subsequent board meeting Francis
van Loon was elected Vice President, Anne Fritzel, Treasurer, and Sandi
Kerr, Secretary. Anne and Sandi will both serve one-year terms in order to
rebalance the unbalanced electoral sequence caused by the resignations of
Nitya and myself.)
Guest speaker Andrew Petter, minister responsible for the Provincial Capital
Commission and MLA for Saanich South, gave the audience his vision for
cycling in this region. 'The financial committment from my government
towards developing the Galloping Goose Trail shows our support for this
region's network of greenways. In general, money spent encouraging
alternative forms of transportation is a cost-effective way to reduce
congestion and preserve air quality by reducing the numbers of
single-occupant vehicles on the road.'
Former Victoria Councillor Al Craighead and Margot Inches, former Director,
presented a plan for raising enough money to hire a full-time GVCC coordinator.
Former Saanich Councillor David Cubberley was on hand to answer the
audience's questions about the Commuter Bikeway Network.
Theresa Szymanis updated the audience on the Greenways poster/brochure project.
Wim Borsboom showed the audience the latest edition of Beautiful BC Magazine
containing six pages of glorious photographs of the Galloping Goose Trail.
Denys Beames, a founding member of the GVCC and the originator of Cycle
Therapy, was on hand to raise the issue of cyclist education and to point
out some problems with decisions being made regarding access to the GVCC
mailing list.
After two hours most people were AGM'ed out. The meeting was adjourned and
some partook of donuts, coffee, and shmoozing.
This year's AGM was put on by Brad Hagen, Nitya Harris, Dale Hitchcox,
Margot Inches, Tim Isaak, Blair Marshall, Paul Petersen, Francis van Loon,
and Sylvia Waddell.
6) TIM ISAAK: VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The GVCC Board of Directors named Tim Isaak as Volunteer of the Year in
recognition for his work as manager of the membership database, distribution
manager of the newsletter, manager of, and major contributor to the Bike Map
project, as a Director, and as a contributor of time and energy to almost
all GVCC projects in 1994.
'I worked a lot with Tim this year,' said outgoing Treasurer Dale
Hitchcox,'and I really appreciated his reliability, thoroughness, and high
level of motivation.'
Incoming President Blair Marshall said, 'Tim is a workhorse. His consistent
management of membership and newsletter distribution, not to mention his
contribution to almost all of our other projects, has been invaluable for
the GVCC and our work over these last three and a half years. Thanks Tim.'
7) LOCAL BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEES:
SAANICH
by Joanne Clark
Saanich Council has endorsed the Saanich Bicycle Advisory Committee (SBAC)
recommendation that the bicycle path on McKenzie Avenue, between Blenkinsop
Road and Cedar Hill Road, be de-designated as a bicycle path. The majority
of cyclists prefer to use the road along this stretch, and it will now be
legal to do so.
On the plus side, Saanich is proposing to build 1.3 metre bike lanes on
Richmond Road, from Fort Street to Adanac Street, in conjunction with the
City of Victoria, as part of the redevelopment of the Royal Jubilee
property. As well, Saanich's General Plan has been amended to include Willis
Point Road in the Commuter Bikeway Network.
Now that all the funding is in place for trestle restoration and paving of
the Lochside Trail from Darwin Avenue to Quadra Street, a suitable crossing
of the Trans-Canada Highway at the Town and Country Shopping Centre is
crucial. The SBAC has therefore requested that MoTH establish a working
group, comprised of various trail users, to design an acceptable crossing.
MoTH will be asked to include this crossing in the early phase of the Island
Highway Project.
The SBAC has been exploring the idea of identifying local connectors, i.e.,
paths or trails which link neighbourhoods and schools, and which may be
known only to local residents. Community associations could be a possible
source of this information. Any questions or issues to discuss? Call me at
479-7838.
ESQUIMALT
by Ray Hall
The Esquimalt Cycling Advisory Task Force has a mandate to produce a policy
paper for the Municipality of Esquimalt. A mission statement is in place and
a purpose agreed to. There will be full community consultation before
implementation of any project.
At our October 6th meeting we discussed citizen participation, regional
objectives and goals, who's cycling, recreational and commuter cycling, and
attitudes and beliefs. We identified trends in society that have led to the
present cycling environment, changes in technology, dress codes for work,
environmental and ecological concerns, the changing economics of car
ownership, urban congestion, and developments in clothes for riding.
The Next meeting is December 15.
8) VICTORIA BIKE MAP
by Tim Isaak
The work of creating the Victoria Bike Map, the only ful- colour map of
recommended cycling routes in Greater Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula, is
complete. Manning Press delivered 10,000 copies to us on October 3rd., and
so far almost 4,000 copies have been sold.
One side of the map shows routes designed to satisfy the needs of commuting,
recreational and touring cyclists. The reverse side contains an
introduction, information on local bicycle organizations and clubs, and a
quick guide to riding in traffic.
The map retails for a $1.50 ' dirt cheap for a map of this quality ' with
part proceeds going to the GVCC. By the time you read this the map should be
available in various stores near you. We have already delivered large orders
to the B. C. Government Employees Commuting Options project and to UVic.
I require volunteers to help with distributing the maps. This work will be
ongoing during the winter. I would also like help with the route selection
and design of the Western Communities and off-road extensions. Call me at
477-4897 if you wish to help out.
9) CYCLE THERAPY: HOW YOU CAN HELP
Join our Cycle Therapy delivery corps or join us for our monthly newsletter
distribution meeting to collate, stuff, and label. Tim: 477-4897.
Wanted: writers & photographers to cover local cycling advocacy news &
related articles. Payment is in experience, contacts, & printed work. Dale
388-3590.
Wanted: Ad rep/promotions person for Cycle Therapy. Dale 388-3590.
10) GONGS GONE
As a cyclist or pedestrian at UVic you may have enjoyed stopping to strike
the interactive metal sound sculptures, created by artist Roy Hamill, that
were found along the campus pathways. UVic employee and GVCC member Norma
Alison, who cycles each day to the campus from Fairfield, found them to be a
great stress reliever at the end of her morning commute.
'With one forceful blow to the surface of the sculpture the tension in my
body was transferred into a mellow Tibetan-like hum which dissipated into
the early morning vapours. Slowly my muscles relaxed and I became attuned to
a more harmonic universe'.
The sculptures were removed November 12th.
11) TO SERVE AND PROTECT WHOM?
Second of Three Parts by Terry Connellan
So you were involved in an incident that violated your rights under the
Motor Vehicle Act. You followed the procedure set out in part 1 of this
series, and because of your diligence the driver was charged. You will
complete your responsibility by appearing as a witness in court. A
satisfactory ending, right?
Sometimes, but too often it's a different story. What do you do if the
reception of your complaint by the police ranges from scorn to polite
indifference? That depends on you. How strongly do you feel about your
safety, your right to the use of the roads, and the role police must play?
As cyclists we've all experienced the feeling of helplessness that comes
during a dangerous involvement with a motor vehicle weighing thousands of
kilograms. Add to that the feeling of powerlessness when you find that the
police you've been taught to rely upon, don't care. This creates an
intolerable situation.
'To Serve and Protect' isn't just a phrase, it's the law. Under the B.C.
Police Act there is a requirement to 'perform' on the part of the police.
Any failure to perform is a violation of that act. A citizen's remedy to
complain of that failure is in the hands of the B.C. Police Commission
under Part 9 of the act, but as Justice Wally Oppal confirmed when he
recommended it be disbanded, the B.C. Police Commission is really where
errant police take cover. Part 9 is a 'whitewash process,' so don't waste
your time and energy.
The provincial Attorney General is the minister solely responsible, to each
of us, for policing. The minister may, with a stroke of a pen for example,
replace an entire police force without reference to their municipal council.
In the event of police indifference, or misconduct, this is where your
remedy lies, in a public inquiry of their actions.
Does this sound like judicial overkill? Perhaps, especially to the police
who created your quandary. Consider this, with the frequency of incidents
and the callous indifference of too many members of the police there needs
to be a marked change in the manner in which police serve and protect
bicycling taxpayers. Only a series of open and public examinations will
bring about that change.
If you have kept them up-to-date with the 'paper trail' of this matter your
Bicycle User Group [BUG] will direct you to cyclists who have faced the same
problem, and to competent sympathetic lawyers who will assist your call to
the Attorney General for a public inquiry.
You will have the support of every cyclist who has experienced the same
problem. In this region that's a legion of two-wheeled travellers who will
join you to bring about an environment in which all of us enjoy an equal
right to ride the roads.
Of course, all of this presupposes that you are a knowledgeable, safe, and
conscientious bicycle operator who rides within the law at all times. How do
you get that way? By education, and in the next part of this series we'll
examine: Education, Whose Responsibility Is It?
---Terry Connellan is a former member of the Board of Directors of the
Vancouver Island Safety Council. He spends a good part of the year touring
on a fully loaded bicycle, and writing about it. In the past 14 years Terry
has ridden more than 105,000 kilometres, 60,000 of them through both
territories and every province but Newfoundland, plus the more interesting
parts of the U.S.A.
12) HARD HEADEDNESS PAYS OFF
by George Heffelfinger
I said it could never happen to me ; I was too careful. But it did and I'm
sure glad I was wearing my helmet.
Most years, in the autumn, I try to do a bike tour through some part of
Europe. This year I chose Italy.
Flying down the via Emilia, not an hour from Milan where we had begun a
three-week tour that eventually ended in Rome, the door of a parked car
opened as if to swallow me alive. My head hit the pavement with a terrifying
thud. My left shoulder and torso followed. Shaken, I rose from the pavement
to find no more damage to myself than a skinned knee and a dented hard hat.
The car, however, required treatment that only a body shop could provide.
In the past, I had avoided the wearing of a helmet in Europe, feeling it
branded me as a cautious North American tourist. But given the wisdom of the
years, I had decided this was the year for vital protection - I'm never
without a helmet in Victoria. Each year I see more and more Europeans doing
likewise.
13) MEET THE MEMBERS: DENISE SAVOIE
by Dale Hitchcox
Ten years ago there was a third the number of today's cyclists using Greater
Victoria roads. Some motorists saw cyclists as either disadvantaged,
eccentric, environmentalist, or else crazy to be 'out there on the dangerous
roads'.
Denise Savoie, like many present-day GVCC members, was one of those cyclists
ten years ago: riding her bike to get to and from her work as a teacher, and
for recreation. 'I cycled because, despite the problems, it was still a
great way to get around', she says.
Back then, small numbers and no organization meant that each cyclist who had
a problem with the transportation system had to fend for herself. 'There
were lots of issues but nobody in government was addressing them,' says
Denise. 'Cyclists needed to organize and become a political force if we were
going to see improvements.'
What led to her involvement with the GVCC? 'In late 1989 I had an accident
while cycling along Esquimalt Road where the railroad tracks cross,' she
says. 'After that I became more aware of the many obstacles to cycling and I
wanted to do something about it.
'I decided to gather a list of problems facing cyclists, and recommendations
on how to fix them, and present them to the powers that be at a big rally.
Erich Schwartz, Neil Topham, and Ed Woodard all signed on to help.
'In January, 1990, Bill Metcalfe, of the Greater Victoria Ecological
Network (GIVEN), held a forum on cycling at which people heard speakers and
discussed local cycling issues in the hope of gaining consensus as to what
cyclists wanted to do to improve their situation. I went to recruit
volunteers to work on the document/rally.
'At the forum there turned out to be several different philosophies. Some
were for bike paths, others were against. Some wanted to block traffic,
others didn't. Most of us did agree that it was advantageous to form a
coalition in order to speak to government with one voice. That was the
beginning of the GVCC.
'Most people thought the list of grievances/recommendations and rally were
good ideas so the GVCC's first task (consisting of Denys Beames, Erich,
Neil, Ed, and Denise, with Al Craighead from GIVEN in the chair) was to
gather the information and hammer out the document.'
On May 16, 1990 the Fuel Free Family Ride was held, at which Mayor Gretchin
Brewin was presented with 'Cycling Towards a Greater Victoria:
Transportation Recommendations from the GVCC'.
Interest in maintaining and developing the GVCC resulted in a constitution
being drawn up by Denys and registration with the Province as a non-profit
society in May, 1991. Denise and Gavin MacPhail were the co-chairs of the
first Board of Directors.
'Since then it's been interesting to see how things have evolved,' says
Denise. 'Improvements are happening because the pro-cycling issue makes
sense and we've invested the time and energy into operating within the
framework of government.
'We've come a long way in five years. I remember recently a City Engineer
with Victoria telling me: 'You know Denise, for as long as I've known you
you've been arguing the issue for bicycles. It's starting to sink in.''
And Denise can argue. Not with hostility and aggressiveness but with her
greatest assets: intelligence and genuine warmth. I remember Gavin MacPhail
once telling Blair and I that he was glad Denise was the member doing an
upcoming meeting with Highways minister Jackie Pement. He said, 'I like her
style. She makes things happen. She's got 'Savoie faire.'' We groaned at the
MacPhailism but had to agree.
14) RIDING WITH RAY
by Ray Hall
In response to Jeff Haisell's letter, published in the previous Cycle
Therapy, I wish to say that the incident you described is the third most
common of car/bike accidents: the first being an oncoming driver turning
left, and the second a right turning driver beside you. Your best defence
against all three is to move out farther from the curb. This puts you more
in the drivers' field of view.
Shelbourne is busy and narrow between Haultain and Hillside. It is easy for
a bicycle to disappear into the chaotic scene. Moving out puts you where
drivers are looking for the rest of traffic. Wearing bright colours and a
headlight draws the drivers' attention.
I'd like to publicly recognize the entire staff of Russ Hay's Bicycle Shop
who invested time and money in improving their on-road cycling skills via
the CanBike II course. Mike Clermont, the owner, arranged the course for his
staff and family.
I would also like to recognize Scott Stinson, Coordinator of P.E/Practical
Arts, with Saanich Schools, and Vanessa Kuran of the Vancouver Island Safety
Council. They set up a CanBike II course for teachers in District 63
Saanich. Five teachers are preparing to help teach on-road skills to their
students in a pilot project starting this spring.
CFB.Esquimalt is also moving ahead and improving its cycling environment.
They are offering two Commuter Skills classes, CanBike I, on December 6, and
7. This came about due to the efforts of Al Craighead, Denise Savoie, and
others.
--Ray Hall is a Canadian Cycling Association certified instructor.
15) VANCOUVER ISLAND SAFETY COUNCIL UP-DATE
by Vanessa Kuran
The Vancouver Island Safety Council is planning Bicycle Safety classes for
the Spring of 1995. There are still dates available for classroom teachers
to book the program for their students, however, these spots tend to
disappear quickly in the New Year. Contact Alison or me at the Safety
Council for more information.
The Grade Seven Pilot Project tested at Royal Oak Middle School in February
of 1994, will be expanded to include two additional Middle Schools in
Saanich: Bayside and North Saanich. We are currently looking toward further
expansion into School District #61 (Victoria) classrooms. The aim of these
pilot projects is to provide us with measurable results to determine the
feasibility of implementing this program in all Greater Victoria Grade Seven
Classrooms. Any CanBike II-certified cyclists, wishing to gain some
volunteer teaching experience by assisting with these projects, please
contact Vanessa or Alison at 478-9584.
We are still looking high and low for funding sources to keep this much
needed program alive. Again, any ideas or leads would be greatly appreciated.
16) LETTER:
The new ramp down to the Galloping Goose trail, off Gorge Road, opened this
September with much hoopla and back patting. Typical of bicycle facilities
designed by non-cyclists; it is inaccessible. The new ramp is posted 'No
Cycling' and there is no access ramp from the street. Are car drivers
required to get out and push to use a new road? Why must we give up our
vehicles?
'Become a pedestrian' is the quick fix for poorly designed cycling projects.
An alternate transportation route needs the same design consideration as any
road system . Which cyclist did they consult before carrying out this design?
-Ray Hall
Murray.
mlove@IslandNet.com