(07-08-2016, 11:04 PM)Canard Wrote: YouTube Video: ion Construction, July 2016 (Charles, Queen to Borden)
(07-09-2016, 12:58 AM)danbrotherston Wrote: Definitely great video, although I can't help but notice the rather uncomfortable angle cyclists will have to cross the LRT rails, far too close an opportunity to get a wheel stuck in the middle of an intersection.
I was hoping someone would bring this up. I'm actually quite shocked that we haven't discussed this yet! As a long-time car driver and novice cyclist, I'm hyper-aware of my surroundings and, while timid, I'm learning to firmly take my place in traffic and follow the rules of the road. So when a hazard like the tracks show up, I'm super careful to understand the risks and physics of it and make sure I'm crossing the tracks properly (at least ~30 degrees or so, and most importantly, keeping a firm grip on my handlebars and giving a quick and careful turn to get a sharper angle at the wheel-to-rail interface moment). But I fully expect that in these "crossover" sections (Benton/Charles, just north of King/Victoria), there are going to be problems with people taking a header if they cross at too shallow of an angle. It will be far worse if the tracks are wet.
This has been a big problem in Sheffield, UK - of course now I can't find the news article, but a quick search on YouTube brings up a ton of videos of people running into issues crossing the tracks at shallow angles, due to the design of the suggested path that cyclists should take when crossing. It's probably not helped at all by the UK's seemingly persistently-moist climate. In some places, as a result of the accidents, they've painted ~0.5m wide solid green "Safe Path" stripes, with suggested paths that cyclists should take when attempting to cross the tracks. I think this is a great idea!
Again... safety campaign? I really feel like the time is right to start bringing some of these issues up. 4 months to first train movements. Waiting until then is too late. I'd be happy to host. Do I have to make my own "ion Safety Channel" on YouTube?
