Photo by Vince Fedoroff
STRESSING THE DANGERS – A group of cyclists concerned about safety organized a group ride Thursday morning, a seen above, to point out the risks of crossing the Alaska Highway at Hillcrest Drive. The cyclists do commute by bicycle daily, though not always in a group.
Photo by Vince Fedoroff
A concerned group of Whitehorse cyclists is calling on the city and the Yukon government to improve accessibility and safety for cyclists crossing the Alaska Highway in Hillcrest.
A concerned group of Whitehorse cyclists is calling on the city and the Yukon government to improve accessibility and safety for cyclists crossing the Alaska Highway in Hillcrest.
The call comes during Bike to School and Work Week.
The crossing in question, at the intersection of Hillcrest Drive and the Alaska Highway, is used extensively by bike commuters and students heading to school.
Crossing at the intersection is the quickest and easiest way for residents of Hillcrest, Granger and Copper Ridge to commute to the downtown core.
Deb Higgins, a parent who regularly commutes along this route with her children, has been advocating for a safer crossing.
“The crossing at Hillcrest Drive and the Alaska Highway is unsafe without a controlled crossing,” Higgins said Wednesday.
“The kids have to wait anywhere from five to 15 minutes to get across the highway every morning.
“It’s not just about the wait; what’s worse is when cars stop for them and others pull around to pass the stopped or slowing vehicles. It’s just a matter of time before there is an accident,” Higgins said.
Planning is underway for improvements to the highway’s Whitehorse corridor, though the Liberal government scrapped the former Yukon Party regime’s vision of spending an estimated $200 million over 20 years to four-lane the highway in Whitehorse.
The group argues that action needs to be taken immediately to improve safety and increase accessibility.
“More and more people are commuting by bicycle, whether it’s because they want to reduce their GHG (greenhouse gases) emissions, save money or just get some exercise,” said Diane Giangrande, another parent of cycling children.
“So it’s important that we invest in infrastructure to make cycling safer and more accessible.”
A controlled crossing at the Hillcrest intersection would not be a first for the Alaska Highway.
Giangrande points to the crosswalk near the Porter Creek Super A store as an example of a “cost-effective, simple solution that would go a long way towards improving safety and accessibility.”
As well, pedestrian-activated traffic lights at Wann Road were installed several years ago as part of a requirement of the Trans-Canada Trail project.
The group of concerned cyclist invited politicians and members of the public to experience the dangers associated with the crossing first hand on Thursday morning. Jeanie Dendys, the Liberal MLA for Mountainview, attended, and NDP Leader Kate White did the bike commute with the group.
Those who attended met at a home on Kluane Crescent in Hillcrest before starting their commute.
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Comments (39)
Up 3 Down 0
BnR on Jun 6, 2019 at 7:50 am
If it’s just a pedestrian/cyclist crossing, why not install an underpass/culvert type crossing?
Up 1 Down 4
Yukoner on Jun 5, 2019 at 8:00 pm
@ Johnson: it is not the bicycles that offends others, it is your attitude and insults and sense of entitlement. Maybe your biking friends should read the handbook and realize that they have to stop at stop signs, not ride on the sidewalk etc.
Up 1 Down 3
Roy on Jun 5, 2019 at 5:38 pm
I don't mind a push-button-activated crosswalk, but I think there should also be a timer on it so that it can't be activated one time after another after another. I can just see it now, after the lights are installed, everyone from Hillcrest forming a convoy and going through the crosswalk one at a time, just to prove that they have "the right" to.
Hate it or laugh all you want, but there are some pretty entitled people out there and they are quite happy to remind you of it any chance they get.
Up 2 Down 1
Thank you @Eureka but.... on Jun 5, 2019 at 4:26 pm
The trail between Hillcrest and Granger is open, and part of the City's biking trail network. It connects with the airport trail to downtown, after crossing the Highway. Cyclists could take Hamilton Blvd now, but it would defeat the purpose of connecting with the airport trail to downtown, and they'd be riding on busy Hamilton Blvd instead of off-road
Up 2 Down 4
Mick on Jun 5, 2019 at 3:56 pm
@Politico
You seem surprised that it is illegal to walk across a highway? Newsflash: It is!
Up 7 Down 1
Bandit on Jun 5, 2019 at 12:48 pm
@Politico
You may need to revisit my post, I agree, at the point the photo was taken these cyclists are pedestrians, I nowhere in my post said because there are no crosswalks you can't cross the highway I just stated with the absence of crosswalks they don't have the right of way. And FYI I ride my bicycle often.
And a side note:
Yesterday @ approximately 7:50am I was driving through the Canadian Tire parking lot and as I approached the corner of the service bays to go to the exit for the 2 mile hill I was very close to being run into by a mob of about 15+/- cyclists riding 4 and 5 abreast as they cut the corner like they were in the Tour de France going full speed off of the 2 mile hill. There were 2 adults, 1 male and 1 female that I noticed, and the rest were young I assume a school class? I made eye contact with the adult female and she looked a bit in awe that I dare be on a public road in a motor vehicle. My point is there could have been alot of twisted metal and road rash if I wasn't the defensive driver I believe I am, one split second of inattention and I would have had 10 bikes into the side of my truck. If that's the road safety we are teaching the kids in that group WTF?
Up 8 Down 14
Miles Canyon on Jun 4, 2019 at 7:45 pm
@Apex Parasite
Thanks for your response and I get what you say.
Yukon drivers are getting close to what I experienced in Argentina- They (bad Argentinians) roar up behind you at 40 to 60 km over the limit then flash their lights at you when you are driving the limit. They often get so impatient they pass on hills or corners when they cannot see that well. Lots of roadside cairns show the many dead due to the aggressive driving habits.
Even with a Prius I have to work hard to get over 100 km per gallon and yes I am a supermiler. Think about this on your Carcross commute.
Back to the matter at hand tho, pedestrian lights in a good location that work when pressed may provide safe passage and comfort for the good people who want them. People who hate bikers and people who want safe roads can rail all they want but it's so silly to get down on family folks who want a better Whitehorse,
Up 2 Down 16
Pikka on Jun 4, 2019 at 7:14 pm
Why not put a round about in that spot. I know people either love em or hate em but they do two things..they slow traffic down and keep traffic moving. I know if somebody gets mowed down, there will be something erected. I would rather see a round about than lights.
Up 10 Down 2
wow part 2 on Jun 4, 2019 at 5:56 pm
Some way for pedestrians to cross the highway from the airport to Airport Chalet or Skky Hotel is long overdue, especially now that the restaurant at the airport is closed for renovations
Up 11 Down 12
wow on Jun 4, 2019 at 5:40 pm
Who would have thought that a group of adults and kids, biking to work and school on City commuter trails, would inspire such anger and ugly comments? For heaven's sake, they're not asking for a gazillion-dollar bike/pedestrian overpass, just asking that a light that's already planned be installed sooner than later. And you're right to criticize cyclists who ride double or triple abreast, right to criticize cyclists who weave in and out of traffic - but that's not these folks. As for not believing the amount of traffic (thank you@Agree), try observing during morning/afternoon commuter times - and the RV traffic is just starting. These people are asking for something pretty practical, and I hope that they get it.
Up 11 Down 18
Johnson on Jun 4, 2019 at 5:08 pm
Sounds like a lot of you need to re-read the drivers handbook and stop ranting on the internet about events you did not attend, and laws and bylaws you don't understand.
You ignorant lot can't even agree on whether they should be cyclists or motor vehicles, when clearly a cyclist is neither. We are told to be whatever is most convenient to drivers of motor vehicles. To obtain a license and afford a vehicle is a privilege not extended to everyone in this town and cycling is a cheap, and green alternative to driving or transit.
Do you rage post here because they make you feel bad for being lazy and driving everywhere? Are you mad because occasionally you have to slow your vehicle for the safety or well being of another human being? What is about bicycles that offends you so?
Up 9 Down 3
Eureka on Jun 4, 2019 at 5:05 pm
I believe I have a possible solution. Open the old road between Hillcrest and Grainger (the sliding hill). The bikers can safely commute up to Grainger and then South out the Yukaholla or Northeast to Hamilton intersection.
No need to thank me, I do this all the time.
Up 3 Down 6
Politico on Jun 4, 2019 at 3:33 pm
@ Mick & Bandit So since there are no cross walks between South Access and Hamilton pedestrians are not allowed to cross the highway. Good to know.
Up 30 Down 5
Apex Parasite on Jun 4, 2019 at 9:13 am
I drive this section more or less every day and very seldom see cyclists or pedestrians for that matter. Except for this one woman that clearly takes the initiative on her bike and has no problems dealing with traffic that I can see judging by the few times I've seen her. Very able and capable, no need of a crosswalk or lights for her.
People just don't seem to appreciate the money and effort it takes to allow for their pampered day to day desires. Modify your route, pick a safer spot to cross, look for an opening rather than insisting on the right of way then getting pissy when it gets dicey or people do not submit to your rightness. You may have the right of way but you are sadly the underdog when things go south.
There is a saying in construction and rigging. "Stay out of the bite". It means do not put yourself in harms way regardless of how you think things are or should be.
Up 15 Down 6
Apex Parasite on Jun 4, 2019 at 8:59 am
@Miles
"I try to improve my mileage with conservative driving habits"
While this is laudable on the surface it is low hanging fruit when you consider the externalities such as how your driving habits affect others and what is the overall outcome of your efforts.
I commute from Carcross / Tagish area and often witness people that do not allow for the flow of traffic and in turn cause traffic to flow around them, drivers often braking then accelerating as they do so. If you obstinately insist on trying to hyper mile or also insist on doing either the speed limit to the letter, or worse, meander along at 10 or so under the limit you may save yourself a bit of gas but you have angered / irritated a number of drivers who, in turn, rightly or not, accelerate past you negating any "social savings" you may have gained. I'd say each instance of having pissed someone off probably nullifies any savings in any given leg of your journey. Compound this for every person that passes you. If you are driving and traffic is piling up behind you, you are the problem as you are not flowing with traffic.
Similar when you accelerate at a slow pace to try and save the planet. People get irritated and try to find a way past you or stress you out by riding your bumper. You may be right but at what cost when you could simply try and stay with the flow and keep it smooth.
I mean if that gets your passive aggressive rocks off then fly at it I guess but do not suppose that you are really doing much by squeezing every ounce of gas out of your driving habits when those habits cause others around you to increase their consumption out of frustration at your driving technique.
I've seen it in the states. Everyone doing 75 mph in a 55 mph zone and all is flowing well until the person doing the speed limit causes a blockage which in turn causes turbulence around the blockage...continually as they go. Safety is compromised, gas consumption increases in response, etc.
Go with the flow yo.
Up 9 Down 4
Wilf on Jun 4, 2019 at 5:18 am
I gress some people just don't see the facts for what they are.
Up 22 Down 2
Agree on Jun 3, 2019 at 5:19 pm
I drove transit for awhile. The bus crosses the highway at Hillcrest Drive. I often had to sit there for an extended time trying to cross safely and that intersection is not nearly as busy as Burns Road. I fully support physical activity over driving your car and I fully support some kind of crossing for cyclists/pedestrians in the Hillcrest Area as it is an incredibly busy spot with the airport, the hotel/restaurant/truck stop, gov offices, etc. I would never let my child cross in that region without assistance.
And people riding bicycles against the traffic - anywhere - should be fined. People riding abreast on the highway are absolute idiots and are just asking for it. This should be policed before someone dies.
Up 24 Down 5
Mick on Jun 3, 2019 at 3:50 pm
@Politico
Ahhh yes, the not so elusive Yukon Chameleon Cyclist. One minute it's a vehicle, then the next a pedestrian, then a unicorn! Occasionally, during mating season you can see them driving side by side on the Alaska highway spilling out of the bike lane into the main lane.
One minute driving on the road, the next, the sidewalk, then into oncoming traffic then off road, then walking with bike in hand, then back on the bike. The only one putting bikers at risk is bikers.
Out of curiosity, how many people have been hit by cars at that intersection? I recall one guy recently (last summer?) but no one else in the 40 years I've been here.
Up 14 Down 4
Bandit on Jun 3, 2019 at 3:01 pm
@Politico
Maybe you missed the obvious here, in the picture shown, I see the group walking their bikes, therefore they may be considered pedestrians. I see no marked crosswalk so in this case they are Jaywalking which I think means they do not have the right of way.
Up 11 Down 24
Miles Canyon on Jun 3, 2019 at 12:26 pm
I try to improve my mileage with conservative driving habits and accelerate slowly but it's really hard because many drivers in Whitehorse are far too aggressive.
They often accelerate and almost want to push me by driving within a metre of my bumper. My mileage is suffering because I often give in and drive a little faster.
Up 14 Down 27
Miles Canyon on Jun 3, 2019 at 11:46 am
We need a stop light on Burns Road and a pedestrian activated crossing near Hillcrest. It's a safety issue.
The antibike crowd with comments that are not useful should chill. These are reasonable requests that will save people.
The police here are not curbing bad driving habits and it's dangerous to cross many streets even at crosswalks near City Hall. Let's make it safer for everyone.
Up 5 Down 24
Politico on Jun 2, 2019 at 1:57 pm
Most posters here missed the obvious in the picture. The bikers are clearly on foot and therefore pedestrians. They have the right of way here.
Up 46 Down 12
Juniper Jackson on Jun 1, 2019 at 8:37 pm
I have NO respect for the bikers in Whitehorse. Downtown they zip in and out of traffic.. they are SUPPOSED to get off their bike and walk it across the street at pedestrian crosswalks. But, no...they are riding down the middle of Second Ave. peddling as fast as they can, suddenly stick their hand out for a left turn and stop. Is that guy going to end up with a long and happy life? I don't think so. This picture is kind of a joke.. there is no traffic..and a bunch of bikers are standing in the middle of the road. Just standing there for their photo op. Bikers, if they are using roads designated for vehicles, should be required to take a rules of the road course. Most provinces have regulations. As a driver, my worst nightmare is hitting someone or worse, killing them. When they come out of side streets and into traffic, all the lights, signs, won't save them if drivers are not on the constant alert for their reckless 'driving'. Maybe the cops can start ticketing them for unsafe driving? Hiway rules are not much different. If you are biking on the highway at peak traffic time, you better be on the far right.
I get it.. people like to bike, especially when the weather is nice.. but they should take some responsibility for their own safety too.
Up 6 Down 27
Wilf on Jun 1, 2019 at 4:57 pm
My family was involved with GM car dealership and I drove racking truck on the week ends. I saw what bad piece can do to harm and kill people. I watched two of my friends burn to death because of a dangerous road. When I read comments that are posted here it makes me show how sick some people are about life.
Up 6 Down 25
Wilf on Jun 1, 2019 at 4:53 pm
How many of you who made comments work in the area of Burns road? If you don't then you do not understand the situation.
Up 49 Down 5
Groucho d'North on Jun 1, 2019 at 9:09 am
I agree with Mick.
The term Share the Road seems to only apply to four-wheeled drivers while cyclists are free to ignore the laws in place for their protection. Moreover, many bikers do not know all the laws they are obliged to follow, like riding in single file on the highways, and law enforcement is quite a bit limp in enforcing these laws in any event. And it appears to me that grown ups are worse at respecting the laws on their bikes than young people for some reason.
Remember: The graveyards have plenty of people who had the right of way.
Up 37 Down 8
Moose on May 31, 2019 at 7:34 pm
Bang on Mick! and the government is already planning to put some lights at intersections over the next few years from what I understand. Yet they are demanding that the government race up there next week and throw in a crosswalk without any considerations because "a child might be in danger!" despite the danger being present for 20 years.
I am going to start a group demanding a fence be put up at Miles Canyon to prevent children and puppies from falling into the water IMMEDIATELY.... every day that passes without a fence there is putting CHILDREN'S LIVES IN DANGER!!! WON"T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN!?
Up 17 Down 31
Wilf on May 31, 2019 at 3:06 pm
Alaska Highway through Whitehorse badly needs upgrades for a lot reasons. It is not safe to cross. Amount of accidents on this piece of highway is going up. So this piece of highway endangers the lives of people ever day. Try turning out of Burns road. Going across the lanes is dangerous and people are getting hurt there.
Up 62 Down 12
Mick on May 31, 2019 at 2:08 pm
A couple things stand out here.
Bicycles are considered motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles act here in the Yukon and, as far as I know for the entire country. That said they must follow the rules of the road. Personally I think they should also carry plates, registration and insurance but I digress.
The photo above seems pretty typical of bicyclist behaviour in town, edging into traffic when they don't have the right of way (or driving down the sidewalk, in the oncoming lane, two abreast etc) putting themselves and others at risk. The fact of the matter is that at Burns and the Alaska highway if you are trying to make a left turn don't expect the world to come to a grinding halt because you are there waiting. I've sat at that intersection in my vehicle and had to wait a few seconds or a minute to get across the highway.
The world HIGHWAY is key in this discussion because by definition it is a high speed roadway with restricted access. Restricted access means that crosswalks, roads, driveways, lanes accessing the highway should be limited so as not to impede the flow of the traffic on said highway. It's about safety and efficiency. It's a slippery slope adding crossings, just imagine 100 stop lights between town and the Marsh Lake bridge as every Snowflake demands a controlled crossing for their personal inconvenience.
Cyclists simply need to adhere to the rules of the road and RCMP and Bylaw need to be out enforcing those laws.
Up 16 Down 48
David Griffiths on May 31, 2019 at 9:16 am
The previous 3 comments are clearly missing the point here; saving lives. Crossing the Alaska Highway is never safe. I think most drivers consider the posted speed of 70 kph as a minimum requirement not a maximum. I know if I had kids crossing here I would want some kind of controls in place. Good for you Deb to rally the troops.
Up 58 Down 6
David Anderson on May 31, 2019 at 8:58 am
The car in the photograph clearly has the right of way. Why are the cyclists endangering themselves by standing in one of the driver's lanes?
Up 20 Down 29
Denny on May 31, 2019 at 3:45 am
Their is no proper four lane highway here with a shoulder for southbound traffic, particularly for people turning left into the airport. This is a high casualty area and people don't even slow down, I suggest Y.G. looks into this.
Up 18 Down 35
Porter Creek has all kinds of crossings (new) on May 30, 2019 at 11:50 pm
Porter Creek on 12th Ave. has all kinds of new crosswalks and solar powered lights for crossing. What is the problem with doing something so these cyclists can cross safely? Wouldn't you rather have people on bikes and out of traffic than loads of traffic like Riverdale has every morning? I know I would....
Up 15 Down 44
Miles Canyon on May 30, 2019 at 8:19 pm
This is a safety issue and why not install a crosswalk?. These people have come forward with a simple request which the city should act upon.
Hopefully they will get what they want without city administration abuse or council hand waving.
Up 51 Down 5
charles on May 30, 2019 at 6:57 pm
I am sure this picture is staged, funny thing there is only one car on the ever so busy highway. I drive this part on the road 3-4 times a day as a courier and I have never seen that many bikers at the same time.
Up 62 Down 4
Guncache on May 30, 2019 at 5:41 pm
I recently retired but quite often biked from the Hot Springs rd to the YTG weigh scale. Never had a problem with traffic. AND I wore a reflective green safety vest. That being said there are a lot of ignorant cyclists. There is the bunch with their color co-ordinated spandex that insist on riding side by side. That is against the law. On occasion when I've mentioned it to cyclists I get the FU comment. Sounds like these people want society to look after them.
Up 74 Down 9
Just Sayin' on May 30, 2019 at 4:10 pm
Well here we go again. How about you cross further down the highway where there is only one lane in each direction. Furthermore, avid biker, biked from Hillcrest when I was in school and after. Never had any issue, because I was taught to pay attention. Furthermore, crossings occurred where I could see both sides of traffic and they could clearly see me. In the above photo I see 4(four) kids wearing black hoodies, reflective gear is a must when riding anywhere. It makes you stand out, not blend in. Also, if you had crossed down the highway near the merge sign in the photo, you can observe the traffic better and they can observe you. The issue I have is no one wants to go and put on some traffic gear and ensure the kids safely cross. Yet again they want society to do something.
Up 67 Down 5
Mick on May 30, 2019 at 3:48 pm
The point out the risks of crossing the highway by standing in the middle of it when a car is coming?
Up 85 Down 10
Bandit on May 30, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Deb Higgins, I find it extremely hard to believe it takes 5 minutes to have a break in traffic long enough to facilitate a highway crossing never-mind 15 minutes. This is the Alaska Highway not the 401. I won't rant on but if you want people to support your cause, try being a bit more realistic.