Duncan - I am appalled at the lack of responsibility some bicyclists take within the Cowichan Valley.
They have the right to the road just as much as other road users however they seem to take the stance of "I have full right of way no matter what I do." If they would take the time to review the laws in B.C. they would see there is a rather large disconnect.
Recently I was stuck behind three cyclists who proceeded to ride abreast of one another. Upon mentioning that, by law, they must ride in single file they proceeded to respond with the usual finger and with the answer "Screw off, its my right as a cyclist."
This occurs almost every time there is a group of riders.
Once I was at home and within reach of a computer, I in fact searched this law. Upon finding the B.C. site showing the laws I found this within the "Rights and duties of operator of cycle" which states "(2) A person operating a cycle (d) must not ride abreast of another person operating a cycle on the roadway," which clearly defines that this action is illegal.
I ask all cyclists to simply review their rights and duties when operating a cycle, just as much as I ask all road users to review there rights and duties.
This time of year is always the worst for accidents involving all road traffic. Let's all take
responsibility and act accordingly. If you're wondering what the website for B.C. laws is, it is: www.bclaws.ca/with the road user rights and duties link being: www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96318_05 Of course for bicyclists their section is stored in section 183 of the Motor Vehicle Act. There are responsible cyclists and there are the irresponsible ones just like other road users.
Keenan Longair
Duncan