"Motorists must observe speed limits on Portage Bridge" say cyclists

For immediate release: 1998 May 21

Citizens for Safe Cycling (CfSC) and the Ottawa Bicycle Club (OBC) are jointly urging motorists to be more respectful of cyclists' need and right to use the vehicle lanes on the Portage Bridge during construction.

On Sunday May 24, 1998 the NCC will commence the second phase of the Portage Bridge reconstruction. This will close the east side sidewalk and reconfigure the lanes on the roadway for the remainder of the summer.

A speed limit of 40 km/h on the bridge has been introduced by the NCC, but many motorists, including taxi and bus drivers, persistently violate that limit, say representatives of the cycling organizations.

"Aggressive motorists have tailgated, narrowly passed, and harassed cyclists," said CfSC President Brett Delmage. He said that the cycling groups have received numerous complaints from commuter cyclists who use the bridge. Aggressive motorists have intimidated some cyclists, so much they have taken to illegally riding on the sidewalk, creating conflicts with pedestrians.

The organizations have requested that the NCC and RCMP crack down on aggressive and speeding motorists. CfSC and the OBC say use of the bridge by cyclists is perfectly safe, provided everyone, motorists and cyclists alike, drive courteously and responsibly.

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For further information contact:

Citizens for Safe Cycling 722-4454
Avery Burdett, Ottawa Bicycle Club 236-9627

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