Kitchener-Waterloo

Cyclists to form 'human barrier' to separate bike lanes during rush hour tonight

People will form a "human barrier" to protect cyclists from traffic in uptown Waterloo Thursday evening.

Volunteers will act as physical barrier between cyclists and cars for one hour

For one hour, volunteers with a local cyclists group will act as a physical barrier between cyclists and cars in uptown Waterloo. (People Protected Waterloo Region/ Facebook)

People will form a "human barrier" to protect cyclists from traffic in uptown Waterloo Thursday evening.

For one hour, volunteers with a local cycling group will stand along bike lanes to act as a physical barrier between cyclists and cars.

"It's a great visual to show the public, decision makers and even cyclists that using protective infrastructure makes you feel safer as a cyclist and an easier design to motorists to understand where not to go," said Scott Weldon, who helped organize the event.

Wedlon said he hopes the event brings awareness to the need of cyclist protection and safety.

In July, Weldon was riding in uptown Waterloo with his children on new separated bike lanes when a truck parked in the lanes pulled away next to his daughter.

"It's not just people going to work, it's also families and kids going here, there and everywhere," Weldon said.

The groups will be out Thursday evening between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.