Share The Road Cycling Coalition

Building A Bicycle Community“Education and Enforcement”October 3rd, 2011

Overview

The “Education Gap” Statistics and research Solution: Closing the Gap (HRPS Partnership, Mass

Marketing)

The Education Gap

Expert Survey: 2009

Why Education Matters

The case for enhanced education/awareness programs:

Omnibus survey 1100 Ontarians: Why don’t you cycle?– 60% of Ontarians say they would prefer to cycle more often;

the primary reason they do not ride more often is they are “worried about safety on the road”

– 94% of respondents rode bikes as children, only 6% are frequent users today

– 85% of children rode bikes/walked to school in 1971– 14.5% do so now

Education: Ontario Medical Association

“Bicycling is an activity that offers the opportunity for both recreational exercise, and exercise that can be incorporated into the tasks of daily life. It provides an easy and cost-effective way for many Ontarians to meet Canada’s physical activity guidelines, is accessible to young and old alike, and burns more calories than many other physical activities. However, safety concerns pose a barrier to cycling, as thousands of Ontario cyclists are injured each year.” (OMA August, 2011)

Education

Ontario Medical Association Report (August 2011): “Enhancing Cycling Safety in Ontario” The provincial government to develop policy and programs, including

funding, to facilitate safe cycling, and for municipal governments to redouble their efforts to build much-needed cycling infrastructure;

Connected networks of roads with paved shoulders in rural settings, to allow for the much needed separation between cyclists and fast-travelling vehicles on rural roads;

The Ontario Drivers’ Manual to be revised to include a comprehensive section on vehicle-bicycle interaction, and furthermore that the Ontario’s Drive Test include this in the examination of new drivers;  

Education

Ontario Medical Association Report (August 2011):

Ongoing delivery of bicycle safety education for young children and that such training be mandatory for all Ontario primary school students;

Education material for both drivers and cyclists that emphasizes intersection-specific dangers.

Full report: https://www.oma.org/Resources/Documents/OMACyclingPaper09-08-2011.pdf

Education/Awareness Programs

Motorists/Cyclists: Education/Enforcement

“Share the Road” program Objectives:

– Improve drivers' and cyclists' knowledge and observance of traffic rules as they apply to cycling.

– Proactive solution– Reduce conflicts and collisions between motorists and cyclists. – Increase respect and courtesy between motorists and cyclists. – Increase understanding of rights/responsibilities

Motorists/Cyclists: Education/Enforcement

Halton Regional Police Service (Pilot 2011) Six collisions; one fatality 2010 Meeting with Cycling Clubs (2010) Three phases Pilot expansion 2012:

– Schools: Drive With Care Pledge – Cycling Community: Ride With Care Pledge

Mass Marketing Initiative

Supported by data; requested by active transportation/safety professionals across Ontario

Driver’s handbook needs updating, nothing on exam/training

Proven effective in behavior modification Model: “Drive Alive, Drive Sober”

Education/Awareness: Motorists/cyclists

Multi-media marketing/advertising campaign (internet, radio, television, print)

PSAs: 2012 (Target) Partners include CAA Law enforcement participation

Data/Analysis

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Analysis

Rural Roads and Highways – 44% of cyclist fatalities occurred on roads with posted speed limits of 80 km/h or higher.

Conspicuity – 30% of cyclist fatalities occurred at night or in artificial lighting conditions.

Common violations: – Intersections– Unsafe passing – Cycling at night without adequate lighting– Cyclists on the sidewalk

Final thoughts: education/enforcement

Increased support for education and awareness is critical at all ages – especially children

Healthy habits for life Partnership with Green Communities Canada:

Wheeling to School project and Bicycle Education Project for Ontario

1971: 85%; Now: 14.5% -- children Ideally: road safety, cycling back in the curriculum

Final thoughts: education/enforcement

Traffic rule violations by cyclists reduce respect for cycling

Can result in public policies that prohibit or discourage cycling under certain conditions

Traffic rule violations by motorists discourage people from cycling.

Final thoughts: education/enforcement

Need to close the “Education Gap” Education programs, mass marketing will help Legislative changes: one meter/ “safe passing” law Another possibility: alternative sentencing --

Diversion programs? A number of US states have these now i.e. Florida;

Portland Oregon has a diversion program for cyclists First-time offenders can avoid conviction, lower fine

Thank you…

We look forward to working with you in Building A Bicycle Friendly Ontario!