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Thunder Bay leads the pack in engaging cyclists

Bike lane
May 7, 2015
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Ah, spring. The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and in some places, the snow has only just melted. With its retreat, all new obstacles emerge in its absence—debris, gravel, and a whole lot of other detritus that can make streets just as slippery, just as dangerous. Some cities address the issue by doing nothing; some, on the other hand, use it as an opportunity to engage with their cycling citizens.

Thunder Bay fits into the latter category. With the official opening of the municipality’s bike lanes on May 1, city officials want to know how things are going so far—and, above all, what needs improvement.

“Over the wintertime,” said Adam Krupper, Thunder Bay’s mobility co-ordinator, “if a large pothole has appeared in a bike lane, that’s a safety hazard. Or, let’s say if for example there’s a bike lane that has got a lot of gravel and stuff, that’s also a hazard.” Krupper said that an online form is available for cyclists to fill out if any problem areas are found.

Thunder Bay’s cycling spring cleaning isn’t just about road conditions, either, but also about softer, more procedural ways of keeping things in check—even if that means correcting attitudes. Parking restrictions around bike lanes, for example, have now been put into effect. Krupper also reminded Thunder Bay drivers that the correct place for adult cyclists is on the road—not on the sidewalk, no matter how badly some drivers may want it.

Most important, Krupper simply wants Thunder Bay’s denizens to get outside and welcome spring with their bikes, and his social media accounts infectiously prove it. “Bike lane love is on season!” his Twitter post reads.