THUNDER BAY – LIVING – The Canadian Automobile Association’s (CAA) “Watch for Bikes!“ program is being launched in Thunder Bay with the help of a new partnership between the City of Thunder Bay, Little Lions Waldorf Daycare, and CAA North and East Ontario.
“Advocating for safer roads for all road users continues to be a major priority for us,” says Robert Keeper, Thunder Bay resident and Chair of the Board of Directors for CAA North & East Ontario. “The “Watch for Bikes” initiative is our way of reminding everyone that by simply exercising a little extra caution and practicing some patience for each other, cyclists and drivers can safely share the road.
CAA’s “Watch for Bikes” program reminds motorists to always look carefully for cyclists approaching from behind, especially in bike lanes and around schools. To help raise awareness and remind motorists to stay alert, the “Watch for Bikes” decals which are placed on the side mirror of your vehicle and work as a reminder to check your mirror and blind spots for cyclists and oncoming traffic.
The ”Watch for Bikes” decals will be available at the CAA store on Memorial Avenue, at EcoSuperior’s office on Red River Road, and at all 12 Little Lions Daycare locations across Thunder Bay. Little Lions Daycare Executive Director Marilyn Grudniski was instrumental in bringing the program to Thunder Bay:
“When bike lanes were first introduced in Thunder Bay, it really heightened my awareness of cyclists and with that came the feeling of responsibility that it was on me as a driver to make sure I respected the rights of cyclists,” said Grudniski. “I heard about these decals and thought this would be a great idea for Thunder Bay. Because Little Lions works primarily with young children, we want to do our part to keep children safe when they take to the roads as young cyclists.”
City of Thunder Bay fleet vehicles are also being provided with the decals.
“As a city, we’ve made big strides to become more bike-friendly,” explained Doug Glena, Supervisor, Fleet Administration. “Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference, and if putting on this decal prevents an accident then I think it’s a good thing for us to do.”
The penalty for obstructing a cyclist’s path with a vehicle door is a $300 fine and three demerit points. The “Watch for Bikes!” decals are free and available at fourteen locations in Thunder Bay. For more information or to request decals, please contact Marilyn Grudniski at (807) 344-2298 Ext. 4.
