Devon cyclists urge passing motorists to steer clear

The Devon Bicycle Association hit the road Saturday morning with a message for passingmotorists: please keep a safe one-metre distance.

Riding south on the DevonianWay toward Highway 39,seasoned club members sportedyellow jerseys with those words across their backs.

It's the start of a campaign by the cycling clubto change traffic laws to make that separation between motorists and cyclists mandatory in Alberta.

• 'Ellen's Law' coming to New Brunswick roads with 'lightning speed'
• Death of New Brunswick cyclist prompts push for 'Ellen's Law'
• Star New Brunswick cyclist Ellen Watters dies from crash injuries

President StewartHutchingssaid the club is spurred by thefact that New Brunswick is expected to pass legislation thisspring to do so: Ellen's Law.

Thepush for this legislation in New Brunswick follows the death of competitive cyclist EllenWatters,after she was hit by a car while on a training ride there late last year.

"Over the years as a cyclist, I've seen so many tragedies," said Hutchings, a retired police officer.

"I'm well aware that cyclists can be right and wrong, but they can be dead right."

He said bringing legislative changes to Alberta that mirror those coming in New Brunswick would protect cyclists and motorists alike.

"I don't think anybody really wants to have a cyclist death or injury on their hands as a motorist," Hutchings said.

Close encounters

Recreational cyclocross and mountain bike racerMichelle Jackson does a lot her training just outside of Edmonton with the Devon Bicycle Association.

She said she prefers to stay on the back roads, but still has to take highway routes often.

While riding down the shoulder (often in a single-file line with her club members), Jackson said she'shadclose encounters with passing vehicles.

We've had angry motorists honk and actually swerve close to us to scare us.- Michelle Jackson, cyclist

"I've had a big truck come really close, like the big highway trucks. That's scary, because you get a draft and you can really wobble," Jackson said.

"And then we've had angry motorists honk and actually swerve close to us to scare us.

"People need to remember that we are members of the community. We have families. We want to be safe out there,"

roberta.bell@cbc.ca

@roberta__bell