Better Protection for RH Bike Riders

Last Updated: March 13, 2025Categories: Bikes & more

 

Richmond Hill – Amid an increasing push for active transportation, bicycle riders in Richmond Hill are raising concerns about their safety on local streets and roads. Despite the installation of traffic signs inviting drivers to share the road and the recent addition of painted bike lanes on parts of Highway 7 and Yonge Street, many riders feel that these measures are an afterthought rather than a thoughtfully integrated part of urban planning.

Afterthought Infrastructure on Yonge Street

Following a lengthy and costly widening project on Yonge Street, painted bike lanes finally appeared on the road. However, several local cyclists argue that the bike lanes were tacked on only after the main construction was completed. “It seems like the city didn’t consider bicycle safety from the beginning,” said one cyclist, expressing disappointment over the rushed implementation. While painted bike lanes are seen as a welcome first step toward accommodating all road users, riders warn that they are far from sufficient. Heavy cars and trucks often pass dangerously close to cyclists, particularly at high speeds, undermining the promise of shared road safety.

Neighborhood Concerns and the Reality on the Road

Across many Richmond Hill neighborhoods, traffic signs urging motorists to share streets with cyclists are now a common sight. Yet, the reality remains stark for those on two wheels. Many bike riders report that despite these gestures, the actual conditions for cycling are compromised by aggressive driving behaviors and insufficient physical barriers separating bikes from fast-moving traffic.

Chris, a local bike rider who has been actively engaged with both City and York Region officials, has documented several unsafe spots on Richmond Hill roads. He provided video evidence to regional representatives to highlight the hazardous conditions faced by cyclists. One particular intersection at 16th Ave and Carville has drawn his concern. “This whole area has a massive problem with red light runners, distracted drivers, and awful driving in general. I almost always see at least one distracted driver here,” Chris noted. He emphasized that the intersection has consistently ranked among the most dangerous in York Region’s Travellers Safety Report, a fact that frustrates many cyclists despite the absence of any major collisions so far.

A Call for Prioritizing Rider Safety

The feedback from bike riders like Chris reflects a broader sentiment that current safety measures are more about appeasing public relations than addressing the core safety issues. “As a result, I’ve been quite provocative with my emails to our Regional representatives by asking them to find volunteer human sacrifices to meet the Region’s collision requirements,” he remarked, highlighting the extreme lengths to which frustrated cyclists feel compelled to go.

Cyclists contend that the region’s transportation planning appears to prioritize the convenience of drivers, even when it comes at the expense of cyclist safety—and, ultimately, the safety of drivers themselves. With the current approach seen as reactive rather than proactive, local riders are calling for a comprehensive review of road design and enforcement policies to ensure that all users are adequately protected.

Looking Ahead

As Richmond Hill continues to promote active transportation and build infrastructure to support a growing number of cyclists, the voices of riders remain a crucial part of the conversation. Local government officials and York Region representatives have been urged to take immediate and effective measures to improve bike lane safety, enforce traffic laws, and redesign problematic intersections such as 16th Ave and Carville.

Until these changes are implemented, cyclists in Richmond Hill remain on alert, advocating for a safer and more inclusive transportation network that truly considers the needs of all road users.

join your local group

Sign up to become an agent of change for better in your community!

Leave A Comment