On the road, the lack of civic-mindedness towards others is obvious. You have to travel outside Quebec to see how carefully motorists, cyclists and pedestrians follow the rules of the road elsewhere. In some places, the difference is so striking that it's like living on another planet!
Cyclists often complain about motorists' lack of respect for them. Less often mentioned, however, is the lack of respect between cyclists. And the list of failings is long: excessive speed on cycle paths, overtaking without warning on both the left and the right, going full speed at a stop sign, unmarked bends, bicycles stopped on crosswalks, and so on. While we're rightly delighted at the increase in the number of cyclists on our streets, we must unfortunately deplore the lack of courtesy and civic-mindedness among cyclists.
In autumn, this observation becomes even more worrying when we see the staggering number of cyclists riding at night without lighting. Being seen is important not only for your own safety, but also for that of others.
Let's not forget: just because urban lighting (street lamps, shop fronts, etc.) gives you a good view of the road doesn't mean that motorists and cyclists can see you. At night, an unlit cyclist is invisible.
Vélo Québec's recommendations are simple:
- Equip your bike with active lighting (white light at the front, red at the rear).
- Equip your bike with reflectors, especially in the wheels
- Choose accessories with reflective strips (helmets, panniers, trouser clips, clothing, tires, etc.).
Riding at night without active lighting is a careless and chilling act. It's also a clear lack of civic-mindedness towards other road users.
Let's be better and everyone wins!
Happy autumn cycling.
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
