Bridge bike etiquette contTus! BY JAR NOBLE News Reporter SECOND Narrows Bridge - cycling commuter Brad Caldwell thinks the high- ways ministry has it back- wards. Instead of the rider travel- fine downhill yielding on bridge sidewalks to the uphill rider as mandated by the min- istry, Caldwell thinks the uphill rider should yield is die- tated by previous practice. “People just don’t change that easily.” he said, adding the ministry should try to convert the 5% to 10% of riders who yield on the downhill than try- ing to convert the YOGe who yield uphill. The debate has provoked lively discussion among cycling commuters, said Caldwell, who's collected 98 signatures of support for his position. But) North Vancouver cycling coordinator Emma Dal Santo, who consulted with the highways ministry, said the new rules slow cyclists down and thai’s safer. Safety has become even more of a con- sideration now that all cyclists and pedestrians are sharing one four-foot-wide sidewalk due to Second Narrows Bridge construction. Dal Santo, who commutes along the Second Narrows her- self, added that if the uphill cyclist. yielded. he or she would have more trouble start- ing up again. She disagrees with Caldwell's contention that uphill cyclists previously yielded to downhill cyclists. “Beforehand it was a game of chicken,” she said. Oddly, that’s exactly what Caldwell said is the case now. Caldwell estimates 70% of cyclists going uphill still yield. “it’s sort of like a game of chicken out there. People are just asserting the right-of-way and seeing who will back off.” He added cyclists are being “a bit more timid now because the new signs make them slow ‘down. But there's a lot of con- fusion, especially with new riders, he said. Caldwell, who's commuted regularly to his law finn down- town - from his Capilane College area home for four years, cites the following rea- sons for having the uphill cyclist yield: slow-moving uphill cyclists can stop easily, while downhill cyclists must break heavily: bicycles Jack brake lights. leading to the possibility thata braking cyclist going downhill will be rear-ended; uphill cyclists cruising at eight to 10 kilometres (six miles) per hour likely woot be rear-ended; a bicycle going fast is far eusier to balance than a slowly travelling bike, and therefore, it is better to have some speed ng While passing. Dal Santo said evervbody must pay attention and move at safe speeds to prevent rear: end collisions, Caldwell a 40-year-old Jawyer, canvassed his fellow evetists, Ele estimates 7567 to SOS support his position, with L010 [SS anthiguous and 3¢% to LO strongly opposed to his view. Caldwell invites opin- ions at fax mumber 89-5739, LIONS GATE HOSPITAL A Caring Community Calendar Pre-Natal Tours every Tuesday at 6pm meet in main lobby A tour led by maternity nuses for expectant couples. For info, call 984-5864 Outpatient Speech Language Therapy Programs are available for articulation, voice & fluency disorders. Fees vary and are dependent on the size of each group. For info. call Nicole Armstrong at 988-3131, local 4418. Fibromyalgia Self Management Program Mondays 1 to 3pm Sept. 16 to Nov. 25 This 9- session program is aimed at teaching life style management to people with fibromyalgia. The costs is $183, which in- cludes all materials. For information call Christina Peters 988-3131 local 4427. Bodysense . Life Skills for Weight Management Mondays 7 to em Sept. 9 to Dec. 9 This 14-week weight control program offers new approaches to eating, activity and managing change. The fee of $160.00 includes the Bodysense manual. For registration and/or info. call 984-5752. We're Listening! We encourage you to call our Patients’ Response Line to record your comments about the care you have received. 984-3800 24 hours CHRYSLER Re; ag ot Truths {ore A Yasmin Treatment $ YO sesstane Q ineeda oo taindd) [Ree $400 Net said ‘aith othee spevials Expires fuly iG Chez tte ESTHETICS & HAIR @ "9207 = 1331 Marine Dr., West Vanconver 922-1225