1. What have you done so far? Various cyclists have had discussions with Alex Cullen and 311@ottawa.ca to talk about problems with the surface. Both have always been quick in acknowledging the problems. This site may help collect this information at one place. From the people I have talked to, cyclists rarely report such problem areas to the City. 2. Why can't cyclists take another route?Details are provided in the routing section. 3. Why can't cyclists just ride on the shoulder?First, it's actually illegal. Second, it's unsafe. The surface is inconsistent and if you ride on it, you'll end up falling into a pothole and possibly landing in the middle of traffic. 4. Cyclists shouldn't be there at all. The road is for cars.That's not a question. If you don't think people should be commuting by bicycle at all, or if you honestly think bikes shouldn't be on our roads, go have that argument somewhere else. 5. How many cyclists use the route?In good weather, hundreds of cyclists go through this section every day. The City of Ottawa has never measured cycling traffic in this area. 6. I have a problem with the cycling infrastructure at some other place in the city. Can you help?This website discusses the unsafe conditions of Carling in particular, but wander over to http://www.ottawabikingproblems.ca. 7. You cyclists are always breaking the law!That's not a question either. It may seem to drivers that cyclists are always breaking the law, but it also seems to cyclists that drivers break the law, too. Some drivers speed, pass unsafely, fail to signal, ignore road signs, cut off cyclists, honk, yell and run cyclists off the road. The truth is that some cyclists do break the law sometimes, as do many drivers. For the most part our roadways are safe enough to tolerate these infrequent occurrences although accidents do happen. However, in areas with unsafe road conditions like this stretch of Carling, it is much more difficult for cyclists and motorists to share the road safely. 8. Are you just out to get the City of Ottawa or City Council?Not at all. Both 311@ottawa.ca and Alex Cullen have promptly acknowledged the problems, and the folks at the other end of 311@ottawa.ca have tried to fix some of the issues. But we can't get anyone to commit to making this route safe. Politically, I would happily vouch for any politician who commits to fixing these problems. Contact me if that's you. 9. Will you say "I told you so!" when there's an accident here?Yes. 10. Who are you?Go see the About us section. |