This incident highlights a larger issue: the lack of action on improving road safety for cyclists in Saskatoon. Despite the city council’s commitment to cycling infrastructure, the reality on the ground is often far from the promised vision. The city council’s commitment to cycling infrastructure is evident in their recent approval of a new bike lane network, but this commitment hasn’t translated into tangible action on Wiggins Avenue.
The incident occurred during a time when traffic was heavy and visibility was poor due to the presence of fog. The truck driver, 52-year-old Robert Smith, was charged with impaired driving and failing to yield. The accident highlights the dangers of cycling in urban areas, particularly in intersections with heavy traffic and poor visibility.
“It’s a little bit of paint and if we could get a couple of pylons to protect the bike lane, maybe that would save somebody’s life. Maybe for a few thousand dollars we could have saved my daughter’s life last year,” Doug Kramble, Fox’s father, said Monday. Natasha Fox, a 33-year-old cyclist, was struck and killed by a cement truck at the intersection of College Drive and Wiggins Avenue. A memorial bike that was placed at the location for months was replaced with this sign. (Travis Reddaway/CBC) In April, city administration recommended that city council vote against the bike lane and bike box set-up, but councillors voted in favour of those measures and restrictions to right turns on red lights.
The city of Saskatoon’s approach to cycling infrastructure has been criticized for its lack of investment in protected bike lanes. This has led to concerns about the safety of cyclists, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes.
Tactical urbanism is a strategy that uses temporary, low-cost interventions to improve the public realm. It’s about making spaces more attractive, functional, and enjoyable for people. The goal is to create a sense of place and community, and to encourage people to use public spaces.
In an emailed statement on Monday, a Saskatoon Police Service spokesperson said the act would generally be considered mischief and would be illegal, however they were not aware of a report being made about the lane and box painted onto the sidewalk.
news is a contributor at MountRides. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
