Backpedalling on dubious manual

ragnar haagen/for metro vancouver

A cyclist loads a bike onto a bus on Burrard Street yesterday.

Published: June 29, 2010 5:40 a.m.

Last modified: June 29, 2010 1:42 a.m.

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A controversial manual given to new bus drivers that allegedly stereotypes cyclists is being revised.

In the 62-page manual given to Coast Mountain Bus Company trainees, there is one page dedicated to the main types of cyclists on Vancouver roadways. They are categorized as Teen, Novice and Lunatic.

The Teen supposedly runs stop signs, the manual says, while the Novice tends to act as a pedestrian. The Lunatic — and bike couriers fall under this category — is said to disobey rules of the road.

TransLink spokesperson Drew Snyder said he’s aware of the criticism being levied by cycling advocates.

“We are now reworking (the manual), because some of the terminology might best be described as inappropriate. But the principle remains the same, that there are things the bus drivers need to watch out for.”

Kari Hewitt, chair of the Vancouver Bike Advisory Committee, said she was “very surprised that a pamphlet (like that) would be put out about cyclists.”

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