Halifax Cycling Coalition calls for more bike lanes, safer streets

Almost a hundred cyclists gathered Saturday morning in Halifax to retrace part of the route taken by a woman killed earlier this month in a collision.

Her death resonated throughout the cycling community, said Blair Barrington, a board member with the Halifax Cycling Coalition, which organized the memorial ride.

"I think most people who bike in this city have a story of a close call, to varying degrees," Barrington said. 

Loresa Makonin was cycling on Purcells Cove Road when her bike collided with a propane truck.

"Loresa embraced cycling the way a warrior would," her friend Fred Connors said at the time.

"She liked the challenge of being a cyclist on the road. She was immensely athletic and immensely competent on a bike."

More protected bike lanes needed, group says

The city needs more protected bike lanes, such as the one being installed on Rainnie Drive in Halifax, Barrington said.

"It creates that physical barrier and there's no loss of parking," Barrington said.

"Nobody loses. You just get a much safer ride."

Assessing intersections and signaling and improving education would also help, he said.

More mutual respect required, cyclist says

Russell Deveau attended to show support. He cycled to work throughout his 20-year career, he said. 

"A lot of drivers don't realize the cyclists have certain rights, too, and no matter which group you're in, there's always bad drivers or riders," Deveau said.

"People have to learn to respect other people, no matter if you're walking riding a bike or driving."

Police say Makonin was travelling along Herring Cove Road when she collided with a truck making a lawful right-hand turn onto Purcells Cove Road. Police said they won't be laying charges. 

"It's really important that we could come together as a community and show respect and support for her family and friends," Barrington said.