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6 Friday, June 30, 2023brooklintowncrier.com Various colours, shapes and sizes of signs, pavement markings, and bike symbols. They're what BTC Editor Richard Bercuson and I observed when we toured Brooklin by bike. Bike lanes, Bike routes, Single file and Share the Road signs are all part of the town's identified active transportation network that follow Ontario guidelines. If it all seems a bit confusing, you are not alone. So here we go. On Watford St., a portion of Carnwith Dr., and Ashburn Rd. you'd likely notice a Bike Lane. These roads have an identified on-road lane, with bicycle symbols at various intersections combined with Bike Lane and No Parking signs. They are deemed primary cycle corridors with defined safe user space. On Anderson and Ashburn Rd. south of Highway 407, there are green Bike Route signs with two white lines, approximately 1.5 metres from the asphalt curb. The biggest misconception is that these streets have bike lanes. No, the reality is, these are not bike lanes. They are signed (ie. having signage) Bike Routes and have what is officially called Urban Paved Shoulders used by cyclists. However, there are no restrictions to vehicles parking on the road shoulder. Anderson Rd., from Winchester and south to Clair Ave., is a four-lane street. Recently, the town installed yellow Single File signs with bike sharrows painted on the road in the outer lanes. ("A sharrow is a road marking in the form of two inverted V-shapes above a bicycle to indicate a roadway shared with vehicles" - Oxford Dictionary) The intent is to notify drivers of the possibility of cyclists riding in this lane. Upon approaching a cyclist, drivers should either remain behind the cyclist or move over when it's safe to the inside second lane to pass the cyclist. Lastly, yellow Share the Road signs can be found on numerous streets across town with coordinated bike symbols. These streets form a network of identified cycle routes and are generally located on lower volume residential streets in support of cycling. What all this means is, no matter your mode of transportation, we share the same roads with the same rules. So a friendly reminder to drivers: please take the additional 10 seconds to slow down, give space and move over a minimum of one metre as you pass your neighbours on their bikes. Not only is it respectful, it is also the law in Ontario. Until next time, stay safe and enjoy the outdoors while spending quality time on your bike. Comments, questions, and suggestions, e-mail: info@durhamsafecycling.ca Ron Lalonde is Executive Director of Durham Region Cycling Coalition Two Pedals - Two Wheels By Ron Lalonde Reading the Signs It was the day of my daughter's grade eight graduation. Ten years ago, when I began this column, it was with the anticipation of the child who would change my life. She's done that and then some. I zipped up her baby blue grad dress and recalled a similar day eight years earlier, when I helped her with another baby blue dress for a birthday party. It was a Cinderella costume. Oh how far we've come. Today this young lady is a far cry from the twirling pigtailed little girl who danced around the room catching balloons. She is now an honour student, accomplished athlete, and award recipient and ready to face the world of high school. The other young people at her grad walked in the processional with pride, smiles and a few tears. Pride in what they had accomplished; smiles as the celebration began; and tears because this wonderful chapter of their lives was closing. As she waited to receive her diploma, her emotions changed while her classmates received their own diplomas and awards. She cheered and shed a few tears and, in that time, I saw her growth and maturity. Back in the days of princess costumes, she wouldn't have sat that long for her turn, impatiently wanting to go up first. Now though, she enjoyed the celebration and the moment. When her turn came, I saw her surprise and pride as she received an award and then, all at once, I caught her humility while friends cheered her success. Her dad and I snapped a photo before she quickly departed the stage. Afterward, she went off to enjoy the party with her friends. Later that evening, as I helped her unzip her dress and pulled out the hairpins, she turned and hugged me, something I don't often see these days. "Did you have a good time at the party?" I asked. "Yeah. It was kind of sad though." "Why?" "Because it's over. Grad is over, grade school is over. I'm going to miss the teachers and everyone who isn't going to my high school. Some I will never see again." "I know what you mean." "But Mr. B said I can come back and volunteer with sports teams so that's good." "Yes, that will be a good chance to see everyone," I agreed. The conversation reminded me of a bedtime chat we once had when she was younger about a party she'd just been to. "Did you have fun at the party?" I'd asked. "They had balloons and a princess and we had cake," she explained excitedly. She told me the cake, which we both liked. Then she commented on how sad it had been when the balloons popped. I had to reassure her there'd be more balloons at the next party. From then to this as we close the elementary chapter of her life. I have a feeling that, even though there are big changes ahead, some things will stay the same. Brooklin Family Matters: by Leanne Brown The Grade 8 Grad