British Columbia
Cycling Coalition
SHOULDER RUMBLE STRIPS (SRS)
-- Guideline Change Averted
Negotiations with the BC Ministry of Transportation (MoT)
Update--July 2003: BCCC Pressure on Ministry Averts Negative Changes to SRS Guidelines
____________Due to pressure from the British Columbia Cycling Coalition, the MoT's Engineering Branch has withdrawn its proposed changes to the Shoulder Rumble Strip (SRS) guidelines.
The original guidelines stated that SRS Shoulder Rumble Strips (SRS) installation will be considered, where it is cost-effective, on rural highways that are identified as a potential for run-off-road accidents. This stipulation was removed and replaced with the following:
Shoulder Rumble Strips shall be (emphasis added) installed on rural highway sections in the following cases, in accordance with the Application Guidelines:
- New rural highway sections;
- When re-paving, rehabilitating or reconstructing existing rural highway sections, which include the shoulders;
- Other rural Highway Sections that are not part of a project but that would benefit from the installation of SRS.
There were additional changes to which we were opposed. The major concern with the proposed guidelines was the removal of the requirement to evaluate routes for SRS suitability prior to their installation.
As well, the British Columbia Cycling Coalition would only be consulted in cases in which the shoulder width is less than 1.2 metres. This is a change from the previous guidelines, where we were to be consulted for all potential installations on shoulder widths less than 1.5 metres.
Despite our close involvement with MoT, the new guidelines were written without the input of the BCCC. As well and we were not offered a chance to provide input on them prior to their being presented to the MoT Executive for approval. The BCCC was asked to attend a meeting on extremely short notice (notified Thursday of a meeting on Tuesday following a long weekend) so that MoT may provide the new policy to us "for information" (note--not consultation) prior to presentation to the MoT Executive.
To see the proposed guidelines changes covered in greater detail, refer to our May 2003 update.
In response, on Sunday, May 25, 2003 we submitted a letter expressing our concerns and disappointment to Honourable Judith Reid, Minister of Transportation. This letter was copied to numerous decision-makers within MoT, as well as to Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier.
Honourable Judith Reid
Minister of Transportation
Province of British Columbia
May 24, 2003
Dear Madam,
We are writing to you in a manner that we wish could be more positive, however, the process carried out by your staff has left us no alternative.
As we are sure you know, the BC Ministry of Transportation (MoT) has embarked on a pilot program to install shoulder rumble strips (SRS) on rural highways. This form of road treatment can and does have very negative effects on cyclists, many of which we have detailed following this letter. You should know that BC's cycling organizations are united in their concern about the effects of SRS. Both the British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) and Cycling BC have unanimously approved resolutions opposing SRS due to their adverse effects on cyclists, and have communicated these resolutions to your Ministry.
The full letter and attendant list of concerns regarding shoulder rumble strips is available for download. (PDF, 112 KB)
The Provincial Cycling Coordinator responded immediately; when the information was available, we were informed by him that that our letter and the concerns raised in it on behalf of cyclists in BC was being reviewed.
Our concerns were heard and the proposed guidelines were withdrawn, with the original guidelines remaining in effect. Considering that the original criteria were, in many cases, not followed, we realise that we must still be vigilant. We have been notified that a meeting with Ministry staff is upcoming to discuss these recent developments. Originally slated for July, we have yet to receive word of the meeting date. Follow-up has been made with the Provincial Cycling Coordinator, who had previously requested details of the meeting time from MoT's Engineering Branch.
This a clear indication that we need to push even harder to make our needs known. We have worked hard, invested a great deal of volunteer time and negotiated in good faith with MoT representatives in developing the original guidelines. We did not achieve all that we wanted, but did manage to positively influence the guidelines first developed in the spring of 2000.
Since April 2000, there have been numerous cases of rumble strips not installed to specifications. MoT has fixed up one or two locations and ignored the rest. Many of the concerns we had initially expressed have turned out to be well founded. We have passed on this information and asked for a resolution to these issues. There has been no response. The development of new guidelines without our involvement indicates that we need to keep close tabs on their activities and insist on cooperation.
To see the proposed guidelines changes covered in greater detail, refer to our May 2003 update.
Further updates will be provided as they are available.
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