Yes, that’s precisely what I think. The very motorists who hate cyclists so much, would spend a LOT less time in gridlock if half the motorists on the roads switched to bicycles. And they could, because according to research, around half of the people in North America live within 5 miles of their workplace. Most people can bike 5 miles – even if some might require a modified bike, such as a trike, or an e-bike.

Thanks for your support Lucy. As you feel strongly about it, why not send an email to the Hate Crimes Unit?

Dread to think what would happen if ICBC refused to renew insurance policies….. imagine being hit by some one not insured!

I am happy to hear that Craigslist is not anonymous. I still haven’t heard back from the VPD. But this is clearly a hate crime, according to that link you sent:

“This offence is committed in two ways:
•when a person communicates statements in any public place and incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace
•when a person communicates statements, other than in private conversation, that wilfully promote hatred against any identifiable group”

To me, that post seems to meet both of those criteria, so it’s a hate crime whichever way you slice it.

Thanks for sending the link.

Thanks for the positive feedback, Melissa. I personally don’t think we will be safe until we have the same situation they have in Montreal – physically separated bike lanes that enable you to go all over without ever being in the same lane as a car. Of course, as we are learning here, they will have to be too narrow for cars, otherwise cars will use them as shortcuts!

Bobbie, sorry to hear about your run-in with the cab. I read on one of my listserve’s someone’s suggestion – he said he makes a habit of memorizing every licence plate that passes him, so it is now like a reflex, and he always has it when he needs it. I have tried this, but I tend to zone out and start thinking about something else. Still, it might work for people with better powers of concentration.

Thanks for the cartoon link! I thought it was brilliant. I especially love the bit where the cars all roar off from the lights, race each other – and then all slam on brakes at the very next red light. To me that captures the lunacy of urban driving. In rush hour on Lougheed Highway, for example, I move as fast or faster than cars, as each motorist sits in his or her own solitary splendour, chugging along from red light to red light. Wish I had this cartoon when I was writing my post speculating on why people change personality behind a steering wheel.