Are London drivers particularily bad? Here's what you told us
When CBC London asked whether city streets are safe, comments rolled in
Getting around safely in a growing city that's made big infrastructure changes and has many more drivers on the road is a flash point that some Londoners say is worth getting fired up about.
Whether on foot, by bike or behind the wheel, people have story after story to share about dangerous and inconsiderate incidents on the roads.
After one fatal crash involving a pedestrian this week on Adelaide Street, and a second crash on Commissioners that sent another pedestrian to hospital with serious injuries, CBC London asked the question: Are London drivers particularly bad?
Turns out, the question resonated with many people who texted and called the newsroom Friday. Comments are open at the bottom of this story, as well.
WATCH | Two examples of bad behaviour on London roads
"It's like the social fabric is a little bit unwound," said cyclist Paul Seale. "It's like people aren't really thinking about the safety of others and not prioritizing that. It actually starts with those really small things that shows impatience and entitlement."
What are the 'small' things?
Crosswalks and stop signs topped the list.
Numerous people said they see drivers not stopping at crosswalks when they're visible and waiting, or slowing down then moving through the intersection, close enough for the pedestrian to feel the movement of the vehicle behind them.
Rolling stops? Apparently, they're not uncommon.
"I am always alert and anxious when I'm walking as I've seen countless people staring at phones, rolling stop signs, two to three cars in a row rolling through a four-way stop sign in a row," wrote Matt Smith in a text message.
"I walk my dog early every day. I wear a walking light, as well as reflective clothing. Every day without fail, 95 per cent of cars blast through every stop sign in my neighbourhood," texted Liz Moore.
A couple of people blame the distraction of cell phones, which they say they can see in the hands of drivers. Others mention that they have contacted police but that the issue persists.
Cyclists and buses
London has made big changes to road infrastructure as active and public transportation have become priorities. For the past few years, major construction projects have seen the introduction of protected and painted bike lanes, and many more cyclists using them.
Cyclists said they still feel unsafe, with drivers not checking before turning right across bike lines, cutting too close when passing, and not treating bikes like vehicles with priority on the road.
"I have seen all kinds of cars turning right in bus and bike lanes where there are no right-turn lanes," wrote Summer Thorp. "[People] are at risk because they are not looking for cars to be in those lanes."
The feeling of being unsafe on a bike may be pushing cyclists onto sidewalks, which also raised the ire of some pedestrians who feel vulnerable.
I have lived in several Ontario cities and London gives me the most anxiety as both a pedestrian and a driver.- Matt Smith
"These cyclist fail to announce to walkers 'Cyclist passing on your right.' For this reason, we elderly are startled, fail to accommodate the cyclist, and may step inadvertently right into the cyclist's path. Please, educators, help young cyclists be more empathetic and practice courteous skills when cycling on walkways," wrote Ruth Kanu.
Bus Rapid Transit has also brought change to city streets, including red painted lanes, and buses on King Street travelling toward traffic on what has long been a one-way road.
Riders are now getting off the bus in different locations. One London explained how a driver's impatience almost cost her her life at Cherry Hill Mall.
"I had gotten off the bus at the mall's east end and was crossing the inside lane. A small car came rapidly into that (illegal) lane and missed me by three inches (7.6 cm). I am a 70 year old who walks fast, and I'm horrified," said Fran Rowland.
Solutions?
Ziegner and Seale, who both came to the CBC London studio Friday, suggested the city has a responsibility to educate the public how to navigate these infrastructure changes.
"There are super simple things we could do," said Seale. "It'll cost money but spend the money on paint so that the whole bike lane is marked. Spend the money on paint so that safe pedestrian zones are marked. I think a lot of the time, people don't actually know where they are in the lanes."
They also suggest pamphlets and public ad campaigns, similar to billboards that were posted around London about the zipper merge during construction season.
Others said police need to step up patrols, including targeting delivery drivers who, by nature of their jobs, face pressure to be fast and must rely on technology.
"I have lived in several Ontario cities and London gives me the most anxiety as both a pedestrian and a driver. Time for some serious enforcement against distracted drivers!" said Matt Smith.
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