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Elderly Chinese man becomes first pedestrian known to die in Vancouver after being hit by a cyclist

November 22nd, 2010 · 104 Comments

Kwok Chan’s family contacted me on the weekend, concerned and upset about an accident that took the life of their father last week, four days after he celebrated his 80th birthday.

Although they politely hesitated about blaming anyone too quickly, they were distraught that they didn’t know how exactly their father had lost his life and whether the cyclist involved had been travelling at a high rate of speed.

None of us know that at this point, as police typically don’t release details about crash investigations while they’re ongoing. But this is a case that will likely interest many in Vancouver, as the balance between cars, cyclists and pedestrians shifts.

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  • spartikus

    Of course not. As any parent knows, imposing additional restrictions (such as a traffic light) is an appropriate way of responding to bad behaviour. IMO, my original analogy is apt.

    Sorry, no, I don’t think it’s fits. For one, trying to translate how we deal with specific individuals onto demographic groups rarely works. Two, you’re changed the analogy from “rewarding” cyclists with infrastructure, to imposing greater restrictions – which is precisely what separated infrastructure does.

    Besides, if motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are children then if they’re not getting along, you separate them. As any parent knows.

  • IanS

    @spartikus #101,

    You write: “For one, trying to translate how we deal with specific individuals onto demographic groups rarely works”

    Sure. It’s an analogy. It’s not perfect. But, IMO, it makes the point.

    You write: “… you’re changed the analogy from “rewarding” cyclists with infrastructure, to imposing greater restrictions”

    Ironically, that’s what you did in your original reply. It was me who pointed that out.

    Finally, you write: “Besides, if motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are children then if they’re not getting along, you separate them. As any parent knows.”

    Well, that’s certainly one solution. However, as a parent, I know that’s a very short term solution and will do nothing to address the actual cause of the problem. Besides, I wouldn’t advocate any rule banning bikes from the street entirely. I think education and training and more the way to go.

  • Bobbie Bees

    Last word.

  • TMan

    I drive, cycle and walk. I see near-accidents happen so often, I’m beginning to think it’s me. One thing’s for sure, accidents happen when the unexpected happens. How can we control the unexpected?

    1. Everybody, from god to gumby, has to Slow Down. If you find yourself moving fast, ask yourself why you are running late and do something about it.

    2. Make eye contact. If you don’t see the other person’s eyes, they probably don’t know you’re coming.

    3. Make lots of Gestures & Signals & Shoulder Checks. Not all drivers make use of them. Most cyclists don’t. (Quick, show me a braking signal! A right turn! Frankly, unless the pavement is smooth and flat, I don’t recommend hand signals for a cyclist – taking a hand off your handlebars in these sometimes rough Vancouver streets is asking for trouble.) But I would build a case for pedestrian-made signals. Why wouldn’t a pedestrian make a left turn signal instead of blindly entering the path of a car, bike, or, yes, another pedestrian? Stick out your hand or your cane – slowly, so you don’t inadvertently smack someone. Or, how about a shoulder check every once in a while?

    4. Keep to the right and make warning noises when passing. For a cyclist, learn to say “Passing on your left, please.” Repeat, if necessary. Then, pass on the left. This approach is also useful for pedestrians on busy side-walks trying to get around.

    5. The rules are not optional, they’re there for a reason. For some people, rules are open to interpretation. While others are ignorant of the rules. Others simply missed the sign. Maybe we need more signs.

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