Editor's note: This article has been amended.
City of North Vancouver council came to a crossroads on crosswalks Monday, ultimately deciding cyclists can ride, not walk – in marked intersections.
Letting cyclists roll through crosswalks that connect with cycling trails is a mistake, according to Coun. Pam Bookham, who noted the city’s significant number of older drivers as well as visibility problems due to encroaching hedges and deficient lighting.
“We have had pedestrians hit in crosswalks on Lonsdale and that’s a fairly well-lit street,” she said at Monday’s regular meeting of council. “We ought not to be encouraging cyclists to be riding through crosswalks.”
The crosswalks will be marked with elephant footprints but that may not mean anything to tourists, Bookham said.
While he supported the new bylaw, Coun. Don Bell expressed misgivings about speeding cyclists.
“When they hit the intersection, they should be going the same speed as pedestrians,” he said.
Drivers often edge into intersections and if cyclists “come flying by” there’s an increased chance of collision, according to Bell.
“I’ve seen (cyclists) come down Keith Road for example, and hit ... Bewicke (Avenue) and just blow through it.”
The other side of the argument is that many drivers don’t seem to understand cyclists are permitted to ride through crosswalks with elephant prints, noted Coun. Linda Buchanan.
“I think we can refresh and do some education on both sides,” she said.
Cyclists will still have to hit the brakes at stop signs and red lights, Coun. Holly Back contended.
“They’re not going to be plowing down people or get hit by cars themselves,” she said. “Cyclists are concerned about their own safety as well as other people’s.”
There are 266 hedges, retaining walls, and other structures that severely encroach onto city streets and boulevards, according to a recent staff report.
However, if drivers can’t see around one of those hedges, neither can cyclists, “so they obviously are going to slow down,” Back said.
“I feel like we’re talking like cyclists are just these horrible, rambunctious people and they’re not. I think they’re out there to obey rules.”
Mayor Darrell Mussatto agreed, suggesting the new rules would help cyclists move through intersections a little faster. However, cyclists will still have to yield to cars and pedestrians at intersections marked with pachyderm prints.
“Is camel toe the same as elephant feet? Is that interchangeable?” the mayor asked city staff.
“Careful,” cautioned Coun. Rod Clark.
Clark called on cycling advocacy group HUB to help educate commuters on the new rules. He also re-quested city staff report to council on the efficacy of the new rules in 2018.
“We can have all the rules and laws and bylaws and what-have-you that we want. It still, ultimately, is personal responsibility that we’re asking for.”
The bylaw should save the city money by requiring fewer road signs, according to a city staff report.
Coun. Craig Keating did not attend the meeting.
This article has been changed to explain that elephant's feet are generally reserved for crosswalks that connect with cycle paths.
