Re: Sharing time is over

In response to Sharing time is over, published September, 9, 2009.

In response to Andrew Tod’s article (“Sharing time is over,” Sept. 10) I just want to suggest that you open up the call for cyclists to share their horror stories of being a cyclist in Winnipeg! Many motorists in this city are completely hostile to cyclists, and these attitudes should not be tolerated.

My girlfriend and I are not the poster children for bicycle advocacy, but both of us do enjoy cycling during the spring and summer months. This summer while cycling, my girlfriend was hit twice by cars. The incidents occurred in June and July, and since the second incident she has become completely terrified to get back on a bike.

Although I have yet to be hit by a vehicle, it feels like open warfare when I try to bike down Stafford Street to work around 4 p.m. on a weekday. I have had multiple vehicles that pass me and then pull over to hug the curb and prevent me from passing them. Sometimes this is done while slamming on the brakes, almost causing me to hit the car.

These kind of selfish and dangerous driving acts should not be tolerated. I encourage you to open up your paper to accepting stories from Winnipeg cyclists to bring attention to the perils that face individuals trying to break away from Winnipeg’s car culture!

– Lindsey Collins

Published in Volume 64, Number 4 of The Uniter (September 24, 2009)