Pothole on Carling west of Forest St.

This pothole is on the south side of Carling just west of Forest St. I didn't measure, but I'd estimate that it is 6" deep and would destroy most front wheels. There's some faded orange paint that encircles it and its smaller offspring. It isn't clear if that's a warning or for instruction of some future repair. It is hard to estimate its depth if it is full of rain water. I think has been there for more than two weeks but probably longer.

Carling is two somewhat narrow lanes at that point, and in rush hour they tend to both be full and there are quite a few large busses like the 85.

Why it is dangerous for cyclists: Your choices are a) swerve into traffic b) go through the pothole, break your wheel, fall over the handlebars and maybe into traffic c) balance your bike over the 2" of somewhat level pavement or d) get off your bike, walk on the sidewalk, then remount. if you're paying attention to the busy surrounding traffic, you may need to make this decision very quickly.

Why it is dangerous for drivers: A cyclist may behave erratically or swerve into your path. This can't be good for your suspension either, but presumably you're far enough away from the curb to not land in the crater.

I took the above photo yesterday evening. It is poor quality because of the rain and the quality of photos of my Blackberry.

I emailed 311@ottawa.ca with a description of its location. They got back to me almost right away with a tracking number.

Update on July 26, 2009: The city has filled the potholes, probably on the same day I reported it.

View reported pot holes in a larger map