Glenn Kubish

Jasper and 101 St Today is the first anniversary of Edmonton city council's declaring us a Vision Zero city. Vision Zero commits its declarers to working towards a city that has zero traffic fatalities and zero serious injuries. To my ear, the year has been filled with the sound of nothing from politicians, with the exception of Councillor Scott McKeen. I see a lot of bus ads telling road users to respect each other and telling pedestrians to wear lit clothing. I am not a Vision Zero expert. I just thought we would see a little more creativity. Maybe year 2 will deliver that. Meanwhile, the lack of respect for pedestrians continues. Date : Edmonton, September 22, 2016 Encounter:  I am watching the pedestrian, slightly obscured behind the traffic barrier i the picture above,  standing on the corner of Jasper Ave and 101 St. The pedestrian is dutifully waiting for the green light before crossing east to west across 101 St. The light turns green.  Your VisionZero ...

I remember a hockey coach telling young players one early morning practice at Bill Hunter Arena (so early morning a practice that the stands were empty of parents) that how they practised when no one was watching was more important than how they played with everyone was.  Date : Edmonton, September 21, 2016 Encounter:  I am riding my bike westbound along 102 Ave near the old museum in Glenora. The light turns amber. I glance behind to see a pickup travelling westbound. Your VisionZero question : Does the pickup driver, not yet visible in the picture above, slow down for the looming red, or gun it and blow through the light?  Your VisionZero bonus question: Does the pickup driver manage to stay in his lane?  As always, no wagering, please.  Here is your answer:    Thanks for playing along. 

Crosswalks are where might and right intersect. That's why they are so important to watch. It's real-life democracy work. Date : Edmonton, September 16, 2016 Encounter:  I am walking in the lit crosswalk on 95A St at Grierson Hill. A pedestrian is walking toward me in the same crosswalk. There is a car to my left.  Your VisionZero question : Does the  automobile driver in the picture above stop for the pedestrian or force the pedestrian to yield?  As always, no wagering please. Here is your answer.  As always, thanks for playing along.

It's a lottery win to get through crosswalks safely in Edmonton. Today's life-and-death game features a lit pedestrian walk light and two automobile drivers who have to figure out what a red light means in real time.  Date : Edmonton, August 22, 2016 Encounter:  I have pushed the crosswalk light on 135 St that stops traffic east and west along 102 Ave. The little lit man tells me I have the right of way. But a big man behind a revving engine tells me I should think twice about stepping out.  Your VisionZero question : Which automobile driver in the picture above obeys the traffic laws?  As always, no wagering please. Here is your answer: One more VisionZero question : Which insurance company has enough risk appetite to cover that driver?  Okay, one more : How do VisionZero ads on the back of buses stop this driver? Thanks for playing along.

The crosswalk on 103 Ave at 124 St is aptly named. Cross yourself. Then walk.  It can be a religious experience to get to the other side. Date : Edmonton, August 17, 2016 Encounter:  I have pushed the crosswalk light, looked up to confirm the overhead lights are indeed flashing, and then started across the street, having played the VisionZero Quiz here many times before, tentatively.  Your VisionZero question:  How many motorists moving north to south (right to left in the video frame) proceed obliviously through the crosswalk?  As always, no wagering please. Here is your answer: Thanks, as always, for playing along. Today's adventure has suggested a simple, foolproof nine-step process to get across this weird intersection safely. The steps, in the pic below, are: 1. Push crosswalk button 2. Wait, look both ways 3. Proceed cautiously 4. Stop to allow vehicle through 5. Proceed cautiously 6. Stop for another vehicle 7. Proceed cautiously 8. Give t...

Road open! ←  What's with this sign?! What story does it tell? What story does it smuggle in? Trump and his fellow travellers in communication would say there can be no other interpretation. The sign means what it means, that cars and trucks are not allowed on the road. A motorist knows not to proceed. A pedestrian knows it's safe to proceed. End of story. This morning, I saw it different. The suddenly-curious sign sits at the entrance to the Fringe Festival on 83 Ave and 104 St. Edmonton's Fringe is a wild proof of creative life in the margin. Not content to cede the theatre to self-appointed gatekeepers of high culture, Fringe fans celebrate plays and music that grow out of the ground in these parts. For ten days every August, Old Strathcona and its schools, churches, telephone museum, theatres, jazz joints, community halls, studios and streets host the drama and comedy and improv of real-life theatre.  Make a plan to go and walk around until you find a gem. ...

While city leaders invite bicycle riders to sedate themselves by being part of the conversation about a safer future, basic laws that protect citizens on bicycles are routinely ignored. Please excuse me if I am more worried about pedalling on 102 Ave right now, with motorists right now, than imagining what autopia might look like. During afternoon rush hour, motorists in the curb lane of 102 Ave must turn onto 105 St, leaving the lane ahead safely free for other citizens, including those on bicycles. Please enforce the laws on 102 Ave. That is the minimum that Vision Zero should mean.