Vancouver City Councillor

Burrard Bridge: an Italian perspective

by Geoff Bookmark and Share

On the evening before the Burrard Bridge opens to cyclists — creating what some motorists believe will be hell in a very small space — these two photos from a recent trip to Italy seek to explain in graphic form why experts favour separation of pedestrians, cyclists and cars:

RECOMMENDED APPROACH: separate lanes for cars, cyclists and pedestrians as seen last week in Torino, host city for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

RECOMMENDED APPROACH: separate lanes for cars, cyclists and pedestrians as seen last week in Torino, host city for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. Orderly, calm, fun for all. Much of the old downtown core is car-free.

NOT RECOMMENDED: Shared sidewalk on Via Della Greca, near the Aventine Hills, requires curve around sign post while missing nun. Remember: cars do not yield to anyone or anything.

NOT RECOMMENDED: Shared sidewalk on Via Della Greca, near the Aventine Hills in Rome, requires curve around sign post while missing nun. Remember: cars do not yield to anyone or anything. Cyclists seen in 12-hour period? Fewer than 10.