A close call for a Guelph family at a south end intersection is leading to calls for pedestrian safety in the city – someting that extends beyond infrastructure improvements.
The incident happened at an intersection close to Gordon Street and Clair Road, involving a vehicle and a cyclist towing a bike trailer with children inside.
"They were using a crosswalk, when a left-turning vehicle struck the end of their trailer and damaged their wheels," said Andrea Bidgood, board of directors for the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT).
Nobody was hurt, she said, noting no charges have been laid as the licence plate wasn't caught.
Bidgood said it happens too often – whether it's this intersection or others – and drivers aren't held accountable.
"I'm getting a lot of stories, especially with pedestrians," she said. "A lot of really close calls, whether it's due to impatience or just not taking a second to look."
She said she contacted councillors in Ward 6 and city staff, who recognized the urgency of the situation and invited the GCAT on a visit to the intersection in question.
However, Coun. Dominique O'Rourke noted she and Coun. Ken Yee Chew were unable to attend that gathering.
"We were made aware of the incident and immediately brought our road safety staff into the conversation for their further investigation," O'Rourke wrote in an email.
"Improving road safety is of critical importance for Gordon street between Kortright and Clair and major roadworks are planned in the next few years to address this major concern. At the same time, no amount of engineering or enforcement will replace safe driving and we are urging people to slow down and to be vigilant when they are driving."
Even in the morning, the intersection in question has heavy traffic, noted Bidgood.
"With all the box stores, there's also heavy traffic with 18-wheelers as well," she said. "Even just by (going) to the area for the visit, I, myself – who am quite experienced with biking in traffic – found it a little nerve-wracking with trying to get into that plaza myself."
She said in the time observing vehicles, the group witnessed a number of cars leaving the plaza and "not giving pedestrians a proper amount of space."
"There was frequently (vehicles that) would creep up really close instead of just waiting an extra few seconds to give them time to clear."
She said if someone, for example, didn't have great balance, it could be bad news, especially if they get nervous with a car getting close to them.
She said that's why GCAT is advocating for updated traffic measures in areas like that complex, and the downtown.
This includes no right turns on red lights, and a leading pedestrian interval, where the walk signal activates a few seconds before a green light.
"Potentially, we're looking at maybe … altering the signals at this particular intersection where the incident happened," Bidgood said.
She referenced the work on the Protected Cycling Network being phased in over the next decade, which includes work along Gordon, which will lead to some protected intersections.
"That one's going to be quite beneficial for people crossing the roads because the turns are going to be a lot more visible for people," Bidgood said. "The pedestrians will be out there more, and the turns can't be taken as fast. Pedestrians will be seen, people will be going a little slower, and people will generally be a little bit safer."
But while that's on the horizon, and is key to a safer future, Bidgood added it's up to the community to be a part of the change, for drivers to be more cautious, particularly around vulnerable road users.
"Take the extra time to just take an extra look, or take an extra time to have a little bit more patience," she said.
"Just having a few seconds off of your commute could mean a big difference between a smooth ride and something that could be potentially disastrous for a vulnerable road user."
