Intersections

This morning I witnessed a rare traffic disturbance in Vancouver at Fraser Street and E. 41st Avenue. Or it would have been “rare” had I not witnessed it a previous two times in the last three weeks.

For the first two episodes I was at the intersection of Knight Street and E. 41st Avenue when a police Harley with lights flashing and siren blaring roared up and stopped abruptly in the middle of the intersection. The officer quickly dismounted and directed traffic in all four directions to halt and wait. Then half a dozen or so police motorcycles roared through the intersection following by three or four black SUVs, then half a dozen or so additional police bikes. As soon as the entourage cleared the intersection the initial rider remounted and blasted off to leave the intersection to return to its normal congested state. 

Years and years ago I witnessed a similar incident at the corner of W. 16th Avenue and Granville Street. I’m not sure exactly when it was, but it was in the pre-2010 era (Winter Olympics) when the mint green YVR airport shuttles still regularly travelled the Granville Street route. I must have ancient notes of the event somewhere; I’ve always been in the habit of at least jotting down notes of notable events even if I hadn’t penned an entire blog entry. I remember that day quite clearly as it was such a diversion from normal daily humdrum occurrences. But I can’t remember which dignitary or celebrity I’d guessed it might be at the time. 

Now, however, I think I can pretty accurately guess what’s going on with local traffic patterns. As part of the lead-up to “World Cup” the traffic enforcement division of the VPD is probably practicing for high-security transportation of celebs and dignitaries throughout the city during the big event.