With an increasing number of cyclists on the roads, Waterloo Region is launching a “happy cycling” campaign to remind all who share the road about the importance of safety while driving and cycling.
The region is partnering with Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo and the Working Centre to hire bike ambassadors; experienced cyclists trained in urban cycling.
“This is kind of the coolest part, we think. We have these really outgoing and friendly individuals that will be placed at areas where there are a lot of cyclists. They are there to thank folks for cycling and give an opportunity to read our Happy Streets Movement booklet,” said James LaPointe, principal planner at Waterloo Region.
The campaign is a reflection of how important cycling and safety issues are to the public and local cyclists are not unaware of the dangers. Last May, one week after a Waterloo cyclist was fatally hit from behind by an SUV in Wellesley Township, 500 cyclists joined in support of Barrie Conrod’s family for a memorial ride on the spot where he was killed along Herrgott Road.
Project managers are starting the campaign off in urbanized areas where traffic is heavy but hope to expand efforts into northern areas of the region such as Woolwich and Wellesley townships in the spring, according to LaPointe.
Efforts were triggered after a 2010 study by the University of Waterloo conducted in partnership with the region of Waterloo. It showed that many of the region’s residents choose to ride their bikes all year around.
After completing the studies planners pitched the project last year. It will now run for the rest of the fall and into the spring of next year.
“Certainly a lot more people that are cycling and we are recognizing that … as cycling becomes a more attractive mode of transportation for folks we want to make sure that individuals who are choosing to cycle are not only encouraged to but rewarded for it. We wanted to make sure people know how to properly ride their bicycles,” he said.
Though reasons for cycling range from living a healthier lifestyle to saving on gas, the stats show most often people cycle as a way to save on buying a second vehicle.
Studies also show that riding on sidewalks and through crosswalks is a factor in 86 per cent of collisions involving bikes in the region, a statistic has been reflective of accidents in Woolwich and Wellesley townships as well.
The campaign is being conducted in hopes of eliminating accidents involving cyclists at intersections and on the roads. Cyclists will also encouraged to go to www.travelwisecyclingquiz.com to complete the campaign quiz for a chance to win a $500 gift card for a bike store of their choice in Waterloo Region.
For more information about the campaign check out www.travelwisecyclingquiz.com or https://happystreets.wordpress.com.
