Drivers complaining about bike-safe intersections get no sympathy from council
They may frustrate some drivers, but there’s no slowing the installation of more intersections with cement curbs that protect cyclists.
On Tuesday, Councillor Michael van Holst’s push to consider alternative designs fell flat.
“What would happen if this were referred back to [city engineers] to look at a different design?” asked van Holst about the planned improvements on Windermere Road at Western Road and at Richmond Street.
City Engineer Kelly Scherr replied that the environmental assessment would require amending at a cost of up to $50,000.
Scherr added that the current design implemented at several intersections around London is based on best practices in cycling infrastructure.
None of van Holst’s colleagues on council seconded his motion to refer the designs back to staff.
Councillor Shawn Lewis admitted receiving many complaints about the tighter turning radius and narrower driving lanes along Wavell Street since protected lanes were installed.
However, he emphasized that drivers can easily navigate the changes if they travel at the speed limit, “I’m not a roads engineer and I trust our staff to implement what is required for road safety.”
Councillor Maureen Cassidy added that she welcomes the new protected intersections in her ward on Windermere Road.
“We have an obligation to move our vehicles safely and to respect all users of the road, especially the most vulnerable — pedestrians and cyclists,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.