Editor: I read with interest, Bruce Corcoran’s account of “Jay Walkers and Cyclists, oh my,” in the July 23 Chatham Voice.
I would like to take that a few steps further. A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed a near fatality. I was waiting to make a left turn from St. George Street onto Park Avenue East. As I was waiting for traffic, a youth on a bicycle came zipping from St. George Street and crossed Park Avenue in front of the vehicle I was waiting for before safely making my turn. The driver, thank goodness, saw the bicyclist and stopped to avoid hitting the youth.
The youth was not wearing a helmet and did not slow down before crossing. Did he look before making this rash decision? It’s anyone’s guess.
Had there been another vehicle heading west on Park Avenue, or a vehicle heading east, the youth may not have made it safely across. As I continued once the way was clear, and still reeling from this near catastrophe, I found myself in yet another near-miss situation, but this one involving myself. As I was travelling south on Peter Street, three youths on motorized scooters (two riding tandem on one) came barreling through the stop sign that THEY had ignored on St. Anthony Street. I slammed on my brakes and laid on the horn and I missed hitting them by a few feet. The youths kept cruising without a care in the world, while I sat in my vehicle, stunned by the enormity of what had almost happened had I not been paying attention and had quick reflexes. Again, no helmets were being worn.
This past week while waiting at the light at Park Avenue and Queen Street, two girls on a motorized scooter (one sitting and one standing) crossed at the lights on the sidewalk, easily going as fast as all traffic, and again, no helmets. As Bruce referenced, “You may be safe this time, but ….”
I understand that in Ontario it is only mandatory to wear helmets if you under the age of 18. I can guarantee all of these youths were under 18.
As a person who used to enjoy cycling, I also wanted to be safe – helmet worn, bright clothing and rules of the road usually followed. I may not have come to a full stop at a stop sign, but I slowed and looked both directions. If there was traffic coming, I stopped. I knew if I crossed a car, the car would win in any collision and I’d be the one to suffer; not to mention I had the stop sign. And this was on a normal pedal-style bike.
I am amazed and appalled by the number of people who are on electric bikes, electric scooters, e-bikes, motorized wheelchairs, and accessibility vehicles and have no regard for traffic, or the rules of the road. I understand some have purchased these “vehicles” because they have lost their licenses, or because they are more affordable. Any “vehicle” that has a motor should have to be licensed with appropriate age limits enforced and valid insurance and safety equipment worn.
Accessibility vehicles should have reflective slow-moving vehicle signs on them, and one of those tall orange flags.
Today’s crowd of motorized enthusiasts seem to think they rule the road and are invincible. But, please drive responsibly, please wear bright or reflective clothing so you can be seen – day or night; please wear a helmet, and please follow the rules of the road. This is for your safety and so you can be seen by other bigger and more powerful vehicles.
Had I hit those three youths on their motorized scooters, who were easily going as fast as I was in my vehicle, and who blew through the stop sign not wearing any protection, it would have been small consolation that I actually had the right of way.
Gayle Shantz
Chatham
