Welcome to spring! Vernal equinox occurred yesterday at 4:45 p.m. and now that we have survived daylight savings, we can look forward to an increasing period of light as we transit toward summer solstice. With our unusually mild winter officially behind us, we can truly see the many signs of spring budding in our fair city.
I do not want to dwell on the perennial ugly signs of spring such as potholes or the copious amounts of litter that rears its ugly head as the snow melts, rather, I wish to talk about the positive signs that herald that spring is finally here. There are many!
One of my favourite signs of spring is the return of geese and other migratory birds. While out for a stroll earlier this week, I was fortunate to observe several formations heading north. My ears grew attuned to the songs of other birds flitting about from tree to tree. I was also aware of the buds just starting to appear and how much warmer the sun’s rays felt. These are nature’s signs of spring.
I also know spring is here when I see highlights of spring league baseball and watch Canada’s favourite birds, the Blue Jays, flitting about from base to base. I enjoy the signs that are exchanged between pitcher and catcher: hand signals with fingers flitting in intricate patterns from the catcher and subtle head nods or shakes from the pitcher. Through this dynamic of silent exchange each player knows what the other is going to do. The catcher will lean his body or adjust his feet accordingly in anticipation of the agreed pitch; especially for a curve ball. Signs in this regard are clearly signals of intention. They let someone else know what you are going to do.
Speaking of letting someone know what you are doing … one of the greatest technologies ever incorporated into motor vehicles is the signal indicator. This device, often in the form of a lever, can be utilized to signal which way a driver plans to turn the vehicle when approaching a corner or when changing a lane. For some reason, despite the ease of how the signalling indicator works, it seems that many drivers have forgotten that this “hi-tech” device is even in their vehicle!
According to the Driver's Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing, motor vehicle operators “must use signal light when: moving away from the curb or parking lane; turning left or right; and changing lanes.” This message is very loud and clear so far as the law goes but why do some people feel that they can swing across the opposing lane without signalling? This is particularly prevalent near coffee shops in St. Albert. I can think of numerous instances where I have waited for a vehicle’s approach only to have it turn abruptly without signalling. The lane drifters out there are also of concern as they weave across lanes of traffic sans signalling.
Spring will bring more cyclists and pedestrians to our streets. If nature can give us clear signs that something is happening then we too need to take responsibility to signal our intentions, whether it be turning, crossing the street or rounding third base for home! Signal transmitted … hopefully message received … no curve balls please.
Tim Cusack is an educator, writer and member of the RCN.
