No news on new events yet – we’re still hashing out the details. In the mean time, I thought I’d let you know a few ways you can help the cycling community of Edmonton.
Yesterday I saw a fellow on his bike on the multi-use path that runs from Oliver Square to way past 118 Ave on the converted railway corridor along 122st, otherwise known as the bike highway. He was stopping now and then, pulling out pruning sheers and trimming all the branches that cyclists otherwise would have to duck under. Random acts of pruning.
I also know a chap who frequently plans on taking a few more minutes on his commute so that he can stop and sweep up glass he sees on the path. Isn’t that grand? I’ve always admired him for doing this.
I tried this the other day spontaneously when I saw an entire whisky bottle smashed just North of the High Level bridge. I was lucky to have a good garbage bag on me, ‘though I recommend a broom and dust pan for this activity. It didn’t take too long, and I got a good stretch to boot.
Other things you can do are phone when someone is parked on or across the access to a path, phone when you see damaged pavement on a path, and phone when someone is parked in a bike lane – even if they’re just going to be there to drop someone off – get their license number and whatever description of their vehicle you can muster.
For on-road cycling inquiries, contact Claire Ellick, City of Edmonton Sustainable Transportation at 780-496-2615.
Roadway maintenance inquiries (potholes, gravel, glass) can be directed to the Roadway Maintenance Hotline at 780-496-1700.
Do it. There are many at the city level who try their best to improve cycling in Edmonton. They need to say they’ve heard from citizens that cycling is important. If we all speak out, things will change.
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Good post.
The City should probably start by looking internally. Once or twice a week a City of Edmonton truck blocks the counterflow lane along 100 Ave between 121 and 116 during morning rush hour. I’ll make a note of its license next time I see it.
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This is a common one. I’ve run into as well. I spoke with the drivers once but didn’t get a particularly positive response. I’ll be aiming to get a license and time of incident as well the next time.
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In order to make this work, people ought to work together. And, of course, they shouldn’t be disappointed at negative responses from the authorities and the drivers. Don’t forget that in most of the cases, these attempts fail, so one should be aware of the toughness and and ambition required for this.
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