Submitted by yvonne on 13 November, 2009 - 20:11

by, Yvonne Bambrick

Through recent discussions, and following a deputation that I gave earlier this month (Oct) at the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on the subject, the Toronto Cyclists Union will be leading a small working group to develop and present proposed Ontario Driver's Handbook updates to the Ministry of Transportation.

Changes being discussed include the habits and rights of cyclists, the road markings and signage that relate to cyclists, and the responsibility of all road users to safely share our roadways. If you can believe it, there is currently no reference even to bike lanes in the handbook! And the imagery used throughout neglects to show cyclists as part of the on-street mix... There is also much to be improved regarding how motor vehicles and cyclists interact with pedestrians and public transit.

Our proposal is scheduled for presentation to both the Pedestrian Committee and Toronto Cycling Advisory Committee in January. Once final adjustments are made, the proposal will be submitted to the Ministry of Transportation for review. We will be sure to keep you posted on this file.