Re: the letter, 'Concrete dividers pose hazard for Greater Victoria cyclists.' I encourage Steven Hickton to pursue the municipality for damages due to the concrete barriers that prevented him from escaping the collision and caused severe injury upon impact.
I have said in my reviews of cycling lanes, and proposed cycling lanes, that these barriers should not be included. A painted line is sufficient. I am sure I was not the only one who thought ahead about not having an escape route if a vehicle hopped an 8-inch concrete barrier that I could not hop over on my bike. I recommended that the City of Victoria create safe cycling lanes that I can get in and out of in an emergency.
The very idea that I am trapped between two vertical eight-inch-tall concrete barriers increases my anxiety on the road far more than cycling beside traffic on these wide streets without so-called protective “All Ages and Abilities” cycling lanes. Out-of-control cars can hop these barriers. I cannot. I find cycling in Victoria now more dangerous than I did before. Steven, I am so saddened that you have suffered such horrid and life-changing injuries that were absolutely preventable had civic officials heeded advice from people who have cycled the streets of Victoria all our lives.
Given that vehicles cannot pull over due to the concrete barriers, I wonder if you suffered longer than you had to as you waited for emergency vehicles to reach you. Multiple people are continually complaining publicly on Facebook posts about the safety concerns associated with the concrete barriers and urging one another to provide feedback on the various council surveys. The municipalities should know there are significant safety issues associated with these concrete barriers.
Sara Plumpton
Victoria
