Prof. Samantha Clarke
A recent incident on the E&N Trail near Portage Park and Shoreline Middle School has once again highlighted the need for increased safety measures on trails. A jogger was taken to the hospital after being clipped by an electric bicycle on Wednesday night. While the jogger and the cyclist both suffered minor injuries, the incident has sparked a conversation about the dangers of high speeds on trails near parks and schools.
According to eyewitnesses, the e-bike was traveling at approximately 40 kilometers an hour at the time of the collision. This raised concerns about the lack of speed restrictions on the trail. The incident occurred at 7:15 p.m., a time when many people, including families with young children, are out and about enjoying outdoor activities.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the frequency of such incidents. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described incidents like these as “super common” and voiced concerns about the safety of her own children playing near the trail. She believes that lower-speed zones should be implemented near parks and schools to mitigate the risk of accidents.
While the jogger reported being struck from behind and requested that the cyclist be reminded of rider-pedestrian safety, they did not wish to press charges. The cyclist, on the other hand, claimed that the jogger had stepped into their path.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to trail etiquette and promoting safety for all users. The Capital Regional District has regulations in place that limit e-bikes to a maximum speed of 32 kilometers an hour on regional trails without pedaling. However, there are currently no posted speed limits.
In response to incidents like these, the CRD runs an annual awareness campaign called Cruise With Courtesy, which aims to promote trail etiquette and safety from July to September. During this period, park rangers and bylaw officers patrol busy trail sections to ensure that all users are following the recommended guidelines.
As the number of cyclists and pedestrians sharing trails continues to increase, it is vital that everyone remains vigilant and respectful of one another. Implementing lower-speed zones, posting clear speed limits, and raising awareness about trail etiquette are all steps that can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The incident on the E&N Trail near Portage Park and Shoreline Middle School has shed light on the need for increased safety measures on trails, particularly those near parks and schools. Eyewitnesses reported that the electric bicycle involved in the collision was traveling at approximately 40 kilometers an hour, raising concerns about the lack of speed restrictions on the trail. This incident has sparked a conversation about the dangers of high speeds and the potential risks they pose to trail users, especially during busy times when families with young children are out enjoying outdoor activities.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the frequency of such incidents and have called for lower-speed zones to be implemented near parks and schools. They believe that these measures would help mitigate the risk of accidents and improve the overall safety of the trails. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to trail etiquette and promoting safety for all users.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) has already put regulations in place to limit the speed of e-bikes to a maximum of 32 kilometers an hour on regional trails without pedaling. However, there are currently no posted speed limits on the specific trail where the incident occurred.
In response to incidents like these, the CRD runs an annual awareness campaign called Cruise With Courtesy. This campaign aims to promote trail etiquette and safety from July to September, which is typically a busy time for trail usage. Park rangers and bylaw officers patrol busy trail sections during this period to ensure that all users are following the recommended guidelines and behaving safely.
As the number of cyclists and pedestrians sharing trails continues to increase, it is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant and respectful of one another. Implementing lower-speed zones, posting clear speed limits, and raising awareness about trail etiquette are all important steps that can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
For more information about trail safety and etiquette, visit the Capital Regional District website.
