GuelphToday received the following letter about how Guelph's streets are unsafe, especially for the most vulnerable.
The recent incidents involving children on foot, scooters, and, heartbreakingly, both a teen and an ‘elderly’ cyclist in one day, are painful reminders that our streets remain unsafe, especially for our most vulnerable.
Children, women, seniors, and the disabled are often the best indicators of how well our infrastructure serves everyone —not just the brave, fit and able.
As a woman cyclist who rides year-round, I’ve faced numerous challenges over my 11.5 years navigating Guelph’s streets. I am 5-foot-3 and it looks like I can be pushed around: I’ve been yelled at, startled, faced multiple close calls; all far too often to count. I’ve had objects thrown at me and have found myself dialing the non-emergency number after escaping an attempted assault. In order to keep going, I have had to normalize what would scare many off for good.
Most notably, in August 2021, I was involved in a right-hook collision with a vehicle. While the physical injuries mostly healed; it also had a psychological impact. It took time to rebuild my confidence, but I chose to channel these experiences into positive action. I began volunteering with the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT) that season and founded the Guelph Girls Gays and Theys bike club in 2023 – a club that serves not only as a social group but also as a support network, helping others build confidence and skills in cycling.
I do this because I’ve cycled my entire life. Growing up, I had the freedom to explore my hometown by bike and transit, giving me agency over my own transportation. Every child deserves that same opportunity to move freely and safely, without the dangers posed by our driving habits, oversized vehicles, modern distractions, and current infrastructure.
Through my community connections, especially with women, seniors, families, BIPOC and +LGBTQ individuals; I’ve learned that many people would love to cycle more! Even just once a week —but are deterred by safety concerns. This fear is a major barrier to increasing active transportation and reflects a broader issue: our current road conditions and behaviors are discouraging those who would otherwise embrace cycling.
For those who may not see the connection, increasing cycling and other forms of alternate transportation actually takes cars off the roads, improving conditions for those who choose to drive. That’s right I said choose.
We need to ask ourselves: How many more people must be hurt or scared away before we take meaningful action?
If we continue to neglect the safety of our streets, we risk pushing these vulnerable groups away from active transportation altogether.
We need to recognize that accessible transportation goes beyond cars because quite simply, when you consider them; a good portion of our population doesn’t, shouldn't or can’t drive.
Reality is that we cannot afford to wait for All Ages and Abilities (AAA) infrastructure to be fully implemented. But until it is, we need to urgently rethink how we interact with and protect our most vulnerable road users. Whether you’re 8 or 80, walking or rolling, everyone deserves to move through our city without such risks.
Andrea Bidgood
Vice-chair, Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation
Founder, Guelph Girls Gays and Theys Bike Club
