State Farm Survey Suggests Canadians Are Hesitate Cyclists
Summer is in full swing and for many that means it’s an opportunity to leave the car at home and use the bike as a means of transportation. But according to the latest survey put out by State Farm, one out of four Canadians think that it’s unsafe to ride a bicycle on city streets.
Canadians are hesitant when it comes to using their bikes on Canada’s busy streets. Whether it is dealing with distracted drivers, construction, other cyclists or pedestrians, most Canadians don’t want to cycle on the streets. Canadians also revealed that drivers find cyclists to be an annoyance on the road. In turn, cyclists found motorists to be a problem while they are biking. According to State Farm, the driver/cyclist relationship has always been contentious. Cyclists disobey traffic laws and hog lanes which irk motorists. Drivers, on the other hand, have very little patience for cyclists, resulting in road rage, dooring and cutting off cyclists.
State Farm Asks Canadians About Cyclists
In the survey conducted by State Farm in March 2016, approximately 3000 Canadians were asked about cyclist safety with the following questions;
1. Do you think cyclists are safe when bicycling in the city?
2. Do you ever text while riding your bike?
3. Do you think penalties should be the same for cyclists as they are for drivers when it comes to impaired driving?
4. Do you find motorists/cyclists annoying while riding your bike/when driving?
Busy streets mean a higher level of potential danger for cyclists. Of the respondents to the survey, twenty percent stated that they bike on busy roadways, and more than half have been in, or know a cyclist who has been involved in a collision.
Young Drivers of Canada suggests the following initiatives when it comes to cyclists being safe on the roads.
1. All cyclists should wear a helmet. Mandatory use of a helmet while cycling should be the law across all of Canada.
2. New laws have been drafted to ensure cyclists are visible, but they are not consistent across all provinces. Reflectors and a bell should be a requirement on all bicycles. Be heard and been seen are important. Most Canadians, according to Statistics, approximately forty percent are unaware that cyclists require a reflector and a bell. Any cyclist who does not have a reflector and or light will be subject
3. According to recent upgraded Ontario laws, The “Making Ontario Roads Safer Act”, or Bill 31, drivers will now be subject to a fine if they “door” a cyclist. A set penalty of $365 and three points demerit points will be levied to any driver who “doors” a cyclist.
4. Motorists who pass a cyclist are now required to leave at least one metre when doing so. A fine of $110 and two demerit points will be levied upon a driver who fails to adhere to the new legislation.
The State Farm survey also revealed that of the Canadian teens who participated in the research, more than half admitted to texting while biking.
The weather in across Canada limits the amount of time cyclists can enjoy this healthy means of transportation. Remaining safe on the roads is a two-way street, a compromise, and respect required between both parties to ensure everyone remains safe and enjoys the warm weather. To see the complete findings of the State Farm Research, visit http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7890451-state-farm-bike-safety/