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Whose Jurisdiction is it Then?

By Linda Bartram


In the two articles “Protected Bike Lanes Endanger Blind Bus Riders” and “More Protected Bike Lanes Threaten to Endanger Blind Bus Riders” published in issue 17 of the Equalizer, July 2023, I outlined the history of the island platform (floating) bus stop issue in Victoria. In the third article in the series, “Protected Bike Lanes with Mid-Block Bus Stops Now Proven to be a Danger to Blind Bus Riders”, I reported on a 2024 study conducted by TransLink and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI).  At that time, I had hoped that MOTI would not post this latest design guide supplement on their website, or if they did, that they would at least recommend a moratorium on the building of mid-block island platform bus stops until bus passengers who are blind can cross the bike lane safely and independently.

 

After the posting of this third article, it was discovered that MOTI did indeed post the design guide on their website with no changes or further recommendations. Subsequently, a group of blind consumers who participated in the consultations and pilots decided to take TransLink and MOTI to task. We met with them separately, reiterating to both that blind bus riders cannot cross the bike lane safely and independently at mid-block island platform bus stops. We expressed our concern that the inclusion of this design in a guide on the MOTI website would lead to more such bus stops being built which is exactly what has happened in at least two BC municipalities--Kelowna and Saanich. Both participated in the pilot study and witnessed the dangers for blind participants, yet they have both proceeded with the installation of mid-block island platform bus stops, citing the guide as a rationale. 

 

Vancouver also cited the guide in their original plans to install such a bus stop with the Dunsmuir/Melville bike lane project. Fortunately they have since listened to our concerns and are now considering an alternate design that is acceptable--integrating the island platform bus stop with a controlled crosswalk at an intersection with an audible signal. New Westminster is also consulting with our group in February. 

 

Victoria continues to avoid the mid-block island platform bus stop design, choosing instead for the bus to cross over the bike lane to the curb. This is our preferred design and Victoria says that given the volume of bus and bike traffic, this is a good solution for now. Esquimalt has also chosen this option. 

 

Although these were definitely “wins”, it is impossible for us to monitor all BC municipalities and attempt to intervene in the early planning stages of their projects. We have learned that once a project gets off the ground, it is impossible to get them to change their plans even though it may be many months before the project is completed. 

 

As a result of our meetings with TransLink and MOTI, they have posted a supplementary memo on their websites, which “provides guidance on engagement and planning guidelines for alternatives”. This memo does not however, rule out the mid-block island platform bus stop design. They do not believe it is within their jurisdiction to do so. Surely it is irresponsible for MOT to include a design in a posted guide that is known to be dangerous to a vulnerable segment of the travelling public? 

 

Recently, MOTI, which is now MOT since the fall election, has engaged us to participate in consultations regarding the update to the 2019 Active Transportation Design Guide. We have provided feedback, but as the same consultant has been engaged, I am not holding my breath that our feedback will carry enough weight to ensure that the new guide does not include design options that, although dangerous for blind persons, are wanted as options by some municipal engineers. 

 

We will continue to discourage MOT from posting designs that are dangerous to blind persons and urge blind persons to monitor what is planned in their communities when it comes to bike lanes along bus routes. If they don’t, blind persons may find their safe travel options become drastically reduced. Contact us for our support if you discover a concern in your community.


FEATURED IMAGE ALT TEXT: 2 people holding white canes and with a guide dog, await a bus pulling up at the curb.

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