EDITOR,
This is in response to S. Bicega's July 15 letter ("Cycling in fear") regarding the dirt road extending east of Mamquam Road past Quest U. I feel compelled to show a driver's perspective.
The road is Garibaldi Park Road. According to the Ministry of Transportation, it is not a Forest Service Road, despite being mislabelled in print and on the Internet. According to the Motor Vehicle Act, cyclists must keep right and ride single file. I cannot confirm a speed limit, but as an unmarked, unpaved road I believe it is 60 km/hr, depending on conditions. Rules of the road apply to cyclists and vehicles.
On this road, I've seen mountain bikers do the following over and over:
Ride two to five abreast, not pulling over, to let traffic pass;
Sprawl across the road, even when solo;
Allow dogs to run into traffic;
Speed out of control;
Fly out of the bush, across the road without slowing/stopping;
Leave bikes/gear lying on the roadway;
Speed while driving;
Ride after dark without lights.
I am not anti-mountain biker. I am anti- these situations. Where a group claims (according to Ms. Bicega) to want to cooperate, there seems to be little courtesy extended to drivers. When I can't avoid kicking up some dust, I don't appreciate "the look" that questions my right to drive to where I live. All who drive here have seen it, and there is no warm and fuzzy feeling.
I don't mind sharing the road, but it has to come with respect. I hate having to assume that every mountain biker is going to do something dangerous, rude or ignorant, but that's the way it has become. I appreciate safe, courteous cyclists, and respect their athleticism. I slow down, when passing, where visibility permits. Sometimes I have to pass before a blind corner, and cannot. I have explained to cyclists riding uphill on the left, the danger of the narrow road and blind corners. I have been subject to worse situations where I've felt awful and frustrated. I don't want to hurt someone who is riding irresponsibly.
Although some do, no motorist is required to slow near a cyclist. If dust is your concern:
Don't ride up the road when it's dusty!
Ride different trails and avoid roads;
Wear a plain dust mask around your neck;
Lobby the Ministry of Transportation to have a calcium solution dust inhibitor sprayed on the road (my preference as it keeps drivers and cyclists from breathing dust).
If mountain bikers want courtesy and respect, remember you are on a road, not a trail. Don't glare at drivers. Don't block lanes. Keep right. Ride single file. Control your dogs. Be aware of approaching traffic. Stop and look before you cross the road. Educate other riders.
By the same token, I suggest motorists relax. Give five minutes extra to travel the road. Don't speed. Be courteous, if it is safe to do so. It's just a nice thing to do.
Please, everyone, be responsible for your own safety, and that of others, not just on Garibaldi Park Road.
Kim Scobie
Ring Creek
