Cyclists to form 'human barrier' to separate bike lanes during rush hour tonight

People will form a "human barrier" to protect cyclists from traffic in uptown Waterloo Thursday evening.

For one hour, volunteers with a local cycling group willstandalong bike lanes to act as a physical barrier between cyclists and cars.

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"It's a great visual to show the public, decision makers and even cyclists that using protective infrastructure makes you feel safer as a cyclist and an easier design to motorists to understand where not to go," said Scott Weldon, who helped organize the event.

Wedlonsaid he hopes the event brings awareness to the need ofcyclist protection and safety.

In July,Weldon was riding in uptown Waterloo withhis children on new separated bike lanes when a truck parked in the lanes pulled away next to his daughter.

"It's not just people going to work, it's also families and kids going here, there and everywhere," Weldon said.

The groups will be out Thursday evening between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.