Island cyclists happy about 'overdue' national safety taskforce

Members of the local cycling community are pleased with a federal government announcement to set up a new task force aimed to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

The issue of safety when sharing the road with large trucks is specifically under the microscope.

At the announcement Friday, Minister of Transport Marc Garneaudescribed it as improving the safety on Canada's roadways.

"There are more and more cyclists, and more and more people who are walking to work," Garneau said. "These accidents are happening."

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Look at safety 'overdue'

Cycling P.E.I. representatives say cyclists are using highways, and that when cyclists are in areas where vehicles travel at greater speeds, it becomes riskier. When told about the new taskforce, past president David Simssaid he was "delighted."

"It's overdue," Sims said.

"There's so much that we can do here in Prince Edward Island to make for better and safer cycling."

Sims said he believesseparate paths and trails are a key part of keeping cyclists safe.

"We need to take a really good look at the separation of motorists from cyclists," he said.

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'Huge benefits' possible

Local cyclist Josh Underhay started a petition recently to improve commuter corridors through Charlottetown, Stratford and Cornwall.

He said somepeoplemay be timid or afraid of getting hit,so they don't bike or walk. He also said he supports the idea of more bike paths.

"You're going to see safety, you're going to see increased ridership and then there's huge benefits for things like healthcare," Underhay said.

"People are going to be more active and healthy. There's environmental benefits."

Bike lanes

CyclistGavinGirouxsaidit gets more difficult when you're cycling out of town, whenthere's not much shoulder on the road.

"People are driving fast, not really paying attention," Giroux said. "It can be scary sometimes."

He said he'd like to see roads designed with lanes forbikes, with perhaps a curb separating them from drivers.

Provincial and territorial representatives along with Transport Canada officials are to be part of the taskforce.

The taskforce will also look at how technologies, such as sensor systems or cameras, could help with cycling and trucks on the road, as well aseducation and awareness.

At the announcement, officials said the hope isto reduce injuries andimprove safety of Canada's roadways.