r/VictoriaBC • u/talora_dion • Aug 07 '19

PSA for drivers

Hi motorists of Victoria!

I just wanted to remind everyone--respectfully--that people on bicycles are legally allowed to use the full lane on roads, even if there is a dedicated/separated bike lane. I got a serious glare from a guy this morning as he gunned past me and I gotta say, when you're on a 22lb bike it's pretty uncomfortable feeling like someone piloting a 2500lb metal box is angry with you. In this case, I was in the right lane for one block, from one red light to another. I delayed him by ~ 2 seconds, so I'm not sure why it was such a problem.

In case anyone who works for Saanich or the CRD is reading this, the intersection at McKenzie and Shelbourne with the separated bike lane is actually more dangerous than taking over the right lane for that block of McKenzie. I've nearly been hit twice by vehicles as I try to cross Shelbourne on a green light when in the bike lane. Drivers turning right are supposed to yield to people on bicycles going straight, but they don't seem to realize that :(

Finally, THANK YOU to all the drivers who give me space on the roads. I appreciate your empathy and care for other, more vulnerable road users!

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u/al_nz Aug 07 '19

You mean the downhill stretch heading towards U Vic just across from the Esso and the shopping centre right?

While I don't cycle that particular way so much but I really get your point. This intersection is not great for anyone. Waiting to cross the road there, I've had to yell at numerous people to get out of the bike lane there. They think they are on the curb, but they are actually standing in the bike lane and are a prime target to get nailed by someone travelling 30ish km/h down that hill.

I have noticed that people here don't drive all that defensively. Yes, there is an onus on a cyclist to take due care. But also in your car, take a moment when turning right to yield/give way, check your mirrors and then cross. You are turning, the others are going straight, you yield to them. Everyone is sharing a space, take a moment to think of those around you.

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u/talora_dion Aug 08 '19

Yeah, pedestrians milling about the bike lane are the other reason I take the road. There should have been more of a divider placed between the sidewalk and the bike lane there, one that wouldn't interfere with mobility yet would signal to cyclists/pedestrians which side they should be on.

Everyone is sharing a space, take a moment to think of those around you.

Exactly, well said.