The things you see!

Being a driving instructor, I spend a lot of time driving around the city; both driving between appointments and with students. I've written before about some of the questionable driving habits of local motorists, but there is so much more to see while on our roads.

For instance…

Pedestrians

There have been discussion and debate on this site, and in this column, regarding some of the habits of our pedestrians. Topping the list would be pedestrians who do not cross at designated cross walks.

As I have said before, there are areas where I understand why pedestrians would choose to cross in the middle of a block rather than make their way to what is often a none-to-close intersection. I'm thinking in particular of the .68 km stretch of Great Northern Road between Wawanosh and Northern, and Trunk Road at the Churchill Plaza and Pino's.

If, for instance, I was a tourist staying at the Super 8 and decided I wanted to grab a sandwich at Subway, I could just dash across the street -- although that is often like playing Frogger -- or I could walk over half a kilometre to cross at one of the traffic lights, then another half-kilometre to the restaurant, and then retrace my steps to get back to the hotel.

As I said, I understand, and I will admit to even doing so myself on occasion.

What I absolutely do not understand, though, are pedestrians that walk past an intersection only to cross the road twenty steps later -- or cross twenty steps before the intersection. In either case, it makes no sense to me to be that close to an intersection and yet choose to walk out into traffic.

My driving students often offer a misunderstood bit of information, that "pedestrians always have the right of way."

In general, this is true: if a pedestrian is in a cross-walk, or even if they are jay-walking, and are already on the road then, yes, a driver must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian.

However, there is an exception. Pedestrians cannot just blithely strut out onto the roadway without exercising due caution. A pedestrian that suddenly steps out in front of a vehicle is at fault.

e-Bikes

The latest scourge on our roadways is the "e-Bike" -- electrically-powered bicycles.

I will admit, these are cute little mopeds, and no doubt they offer a great deal of convenience over walking or taking the bus.

However, riders of these teeny scooter look-alikes need to remember that these are not motorcycles. They are considered to be bicycles, and as such are subject to the same rules and regulations as their human-powered cohorts.

e-Bikes only travel at 32 km/h. When riders stay close to the right-hand curb, as required, they do not present too much of an obstacle. But when they bop down the centre of the lane they put both themselves and others at risk.

Yesterday I watched, astonished, as one young woman scooted down the centre of the left lane on Great Northern Road. As I crossed the intersection at the hospital I noticed that traffic in the left lane was unusually slow, and vehicles were changing into the right lane.

As I was passing the Toyota dealer I saw the last car change lanes exposing the e-Bike, which continued along until it approached Third Line. At that point the rider signalled and changed into the left-turn lane, then made a turn westbound onto Third Line.

I have seen other riders take similar risks.

Again, these are not motorcycles nor scooters, no matter how much they may resemble them. If you wouldn't do it on a bicycle, don't try it on an e-Bike.

Mobility Scooters

I have worked with disabled children, youth and adults. I am quite pleased to see the variety of mobility aids available to those who need them.

However, those who do use them need to be reminded that these, also, are not motor vehicles.

Admittedly, some mobility scooters do go faster than e-Bkes, but they still are not intended, nor permitted, to be driven on the road.

A few weeks ago I saw a woman on a mobility scooter in the westbound left-turn lane on McNabb, her turn signal blinking, waiting to for the light to change turn to turn onto Pim Street.

Yes, I said "turn signal."

Still, despite that some of these mobility aids resemble automobiles -- with head and signal lights, some even having cabins with doors and windshield wipers -- they are not street-legal. They are meant to be used on sidewalks, and in malls.

They are, essentially, wheelchairs.

Even with the fluorescent flags flapping behind them, those who continue to "drive" these on the road are putting themselves, and others, at risk.

Changing topics slightly, to things you don't see...
 

Public Washrooms and Drinking Fountains

There are two things this City is lacking: public washrooms and drinking fountains.

I know right off the bat that there are two objections to both of these: cost, and vandalism.

Hardly a weekend goes by that someone doesn't demonstrate astounding feats of strength by beating up on a bus shelter, so it would be natural to expect public that washrooms and water fountains would fall victim to vandals, sooner or later.

But, still, these would be nice to have.

First of all, while we aren't a "tourist town" (as has been discussed here previously), we do get a fair share of them, many strolling about town, especially along Great Northern or on the Boardwalk. And while strolling, if a person gets "caught short" or just needs a drink -- or perhaps wishes to refill a water bottle, there are very few available facilities.

Yes, there are businesses one could enter to "borrow" the facilities, although I doubt many would refill a water bottle.

Secondly, I'm sure that even residents would apreciate having some public "facilities."

I spent some time at Clergue Park, recently, and as I looked around I wondered what people using this park would do when the Art Gallery or Library was closed. It's a beautiful park, and a relaxing place to spend some time, but washrooms and water fountains are in short supply, especially on a summer weekend.

Bellevue Park, too, has a quite adequate washroom building, but in such a large park it can be quite a long walk when one is in need.

As for our new jewel in the crown, the Hub Trail, it's a wonderful asset to our community, and is well used. On the other hand, unless one is willing to duck into the bushes, it can be a very long walk when nature calls.

As I said, I suspect that vandalism could be a problem, but still I believe that public washrooms and water fountains, which can be found in other communities across Canada and in other countries, would be welcome by many.

But… that's just my opinion.