Dear editor:
On my way in to Virgil this past Sunday morning, I witnessed a near-miss that, had it happened, would have been catastrophic.
A car came zipping out of a driveway on Niagara Stone Road and narrowly missed a cyclist. The cyclist swerved into the road and the car quickly swerved onto the shoulder.
Thankfully, the cyclist was wearing a helmet and was obviously aware of their surroundings. The car then continued zipping along through the roundabout, never really slowing down.
As I continued toward Virgil, at the business across from Crossroads I noticed a large group of people getting ready for a bike ride. Not a helmet in sight.
On my way home, a car in front of me ran the stop sign on Carlton Street at Niagara Stone Road and sped away.
I've noticed large groups of cyclists in NOTL – and why not? It's a beautiful place to live and visit. However, these groups seem to think that driving two and three across is OK and that wearing helmets is optional.
Having lived on Niagara Stone Road for most of my life, I know how scary busy the road is. Speed limits are treated as suggestions. I've been passed on both sides while waiting to turn into my driveway.
We tell anyone who visits that one never backs onto Niagara Stone Road – always drive out. It's just too scary otherwise.
And I know that the surrounding roads can be just as frightening.
What I don't understand is how people are willing to get on a bicycle on these roads, without a helmet. The risk is just so high. And then maybe go do a winery tour? Even worse. Inhibitions and reaction times are down.
I've seen groups of kids and adults on bikes. Kids are wearing helmets, adults aren't. So if the adults are hit by a car, who's going to take care of them? The kids?
So what's the solution? Drivers need to slow down and cyclists need to observe road rules. And take safety seriously.
Maybe if the wineries gave a discount to cyclists who wear a helmet, there'd be more buy-in.
It doesn't take much to create an accident;Â they happen so quickly.
And to anyone who believes a helmet isn't necessary, think on this: Do you have your person picked out? You know, the one who will be there to care for you, to wash you, to lift you into your chair, to feed you, to dress you. Because a traumatic head injury changes life. For the injured person and for everyone around them.
For the love of all that's good, drivers, please slow down, and cyclists, put a helmet on your head. And wear it properly.
It's not hard. Neither is your head.
Audrey Wall
NOTL