Bert GROENENBERG
Special to Tribune
This column is written as a correspondence between Maddie the Motorist and Byron the Bicyclist.
Dear Byron;
A road sign said: “If married to speed, divorce her.”
In the next bend I read “Sleepy drivers rest in pieces.”
These were just two of the road signs posted by the mountain road to Srinagar in India. Nonetheless, our bus driver pushed the limits; he barely slowed for curves in the gravel road.
Byron, I admit often pushing the limits. Even in town, I sometimes go 50 km/h through busy downtown. I should be more considerate of those on foot, on bicycle or riding scooters.
Signed, Maddie the Motorist
Dear Maddie;
Yes, the 50 km/h in town speed limit can be too high either downtown, on some residential streets and of course back alleys. In these places, sight lines are short and vulnerable road users are more common.
The Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals states the average survival rate of a pedestrian hit by a vehicle driving 50 km/h is only two out of 10. Survival increases to six out of ten at 40 km/h and nine out of ten at 30 km/h.
In 2019, Port Moody asked the B.C. Government to change the Motor Vehicle Act allowing it to lower speed limits.
Port Moody wanted the maximum speed for arterial roads be 40 km/h and for residential streets with no painted centre line to be 30 km/h.
It was not admitted for debate at the Union of B.C. Municipalities. Why?
In B.C., the province sets speed limits even in towns and cities.
Now B.C.’s new 2023 Motor Vehicle Amendment Act allows communities to pilot projects such as kick scooters.
Could cities to try reduced speed limits like Port Moody wanted?
Meanwhile, Maddie, please just slow down. Thanks.
Signed, Byron the Bicyclist
Bert Groenenberg has been walking, bicycling and driving in Williams Lake for over 30 years.