I am currently spending an academic year on sabbatical in St.John’s, Newfoundland, and am enjoying time to read, do research, meet new people and discover new points of view.
I came here with (not on!) my commuter bike – I am a year-round cyclist in Montreal, and hope(d?) to carry on in St.John’s.
However, most people here are somewhat horrified that I cycle – in good weather – and are downright incredulous that I may even consider cycling in winter. I will report back as winter arrives, but here is what I have heard, and what my first impressions are.
Cycling in St.John’s – like Montreal in the 1990s
There is virtually no cycling infrastructure in St.John’s, not even arrows on the road indicating that cyclists have a right to occupy space. Most motorists are careful (as everywhere I have cycled: of course, one or two drivers have been agressive and dangerous), but it is evident that drivers here are not familiar with bicycles and how they occupy road-space.
Thus, as a cyclist, it is incumbent on me to be very careful, to anticipate, and to avoid roads that are simply too dangerous because they are designed only for cars (I am thinking of narrow roads, with high kerbs, cars in two directions, and simply no place for cyclists). Being careful and anticipating is always important, but the contrast in attention required between Montreal and St.John’s is striking.
Out-of-town, most roads around St.John’s have no shoulder: so, a magnificent ride to Cape Spear becomes a death-defying feat since cyclists are obliged to cycle in 90km/h traffic rather than on a shoulder, which need only be 50cm wide to make all the difference.
I started cycling in Montreal when I arrived in 1994…. in travelling to St.John’s, I have travelled back 30 years, and want to return!
Right turns on red: a recipe for disaster
Right turns on red are exceptionally dangerous in towns for a variety of reasons.
As a cyclist, they are dangerous because many cars have no notion of how fast a bike can go. On a gentle slope downhill even a commuter bike can easily reach 35 – 40km/h without danger – UNLESS some car pulls out on red thinking it has time and space to do so.
Furthermore, even with bike-lights and bright yellow cycling coat, some motorists simply “don’t see you” – in Montreal this occasionally still happens, but almost all motorists have internalised the road-presence of cyclists and subconsciously identify them as traffic. Not in St.John’s.
Thus, even as one cycles through a green light in St.John’s there is definite danger: cars can legally pull out in front of you (if not in to you).
Dire warnings about winter
I have heard from many people that snow-clearing is abysmal in St.John’s. The university sometimes warns students NOT TO WALK…. as one student rhetorically asked me : “How are we supposed to get around and go shopping? Most students don’t have cars…”
It’s important to remember this is heresay.: I will be reporting back! But apparently, sidewalks (already narrow, and in places non-existent, even in the city-centre) are often used as snow dumps, and, if they are cleared, are usually extremely icy.
So, with no cycle lanes, inexperienced drivers (when it comes to bicycles), poor snow clearing – and presumably roads further narrowed by snow banks – I can see why winter cycling may be a challenge. I’ll see, but am adjusting my expectations downwards.
Some hope: critical mass St.John’s and some municipal movement
There is a small – but I am told growing – number of people in St.John’s trying to change things, just as there have been in Montreal since the 1970s.
I have joined them on two critical mass rides – the mass is small, but it is extremely critical! So a shout-out to them!
It is also important to note that the city of St.John’s has taken some (small) steps. However, from what I can see these steps are mainly to encourage recreational cycling on dedicated trails, not commuter and utilitarian cycling. It’s a start…
Richard Shearmur 