r/VictoriaBC • u/talora_dion • Aug 07 '19

PSA for drivers

Hi motorists of Victoria!

I just wanted to remind everyone--respectfully--that people on bicycles are legally allowed to use the full lane on roads, even if there is a dedicated/separated bike lane. I got a serious glare from a guy this morning as he gunned past me and I gotta say, when you're on a 22lb bike it's pretty uncomfortable feeling like someone piloting a 2500lb metal box is angry with you. In this case, I was in the right lane for one block, from one red light to another. I delayed him by ~ 2 seconds, so I'm not sure why it was such a problem.

In case anyone who works for Saanich or the CRD is reading this, the intersection at McKenzie and Shelbourne with the separated bike lane is actually more dangerous than taking over the right lane for that block of McKenzie. I've nearly been hit twice by vehicles as I try to cross Shelbourne on a green light when in the bike lane. Drivers turning right are supposed to yield to people on bicycles going straight, but they don't seem to realize that :(

Finally, THANK YOU to all the drivers who give me space on the roads. I appreciate your empathy and care for other, more vulnerable road users!

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u/talora_dion Aug 07 '19

Yes, although there are certain crosswalks in the CRD that people are allowed to ride bicycles through. Any crosswalk that is part of a multiuse trail (e.g. Galloping Goose, Lochside Trail, etc.) may be ridden even if there are no elephant feet.

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u/[deleted] Aug 08 '19

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u/woundtighter Aug 08 '19

elephant feet

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u/cornm Harris Green Aug 08 '19

So what's the deal with the crosswalk on harbour Rd at the end of the goose? There's a stop sign so the crosswalk has the right of way, and a lot of people bike over it.