A couple of St. Albert residents are urging city council to act on trail safety following a recent fatal collision in Calgary.
Earlier this month, Calgary police confirmed a woman in her 50s died after being struck by a 12-year-old cyclist on a suburban pathway. The incident has sparked reflection in St. Albert, where some residents say near misses between pedestrians, cyclists and e-bikes are becoming more common.
Maureen Fiebich is one of the residents who has decided to send a letter to city council, calling for clearer rules and stronger enforcement on the city’s 100-km worth of multi-use trails. Suggestions have included speed limits, signage, physical separation between riders and walkers and more public education about trail etiquette.
“I have sent a letter to city council regarding trail safety for pedestrians particularly in Erin Ridge,” she said in an emailed statement. “I walk most days and see the trails becoming more crowded. I’ve become increasingly uncomfortable with the speed of e-bikes and scooters, both of which move fast and silently. Greater use of the trails is wonderful but safety is paramount.”
She explained that she would like to see more bikers using their bells when passing pedestrians, a speed limit for the trails, dogs on leashes, a solid line down the centre of the trail to keep traffic divided and more public education on how to safely use the trails.
“I can safely say there are some folks who avoid walks due to the lack of safety,” said Fiebich. “Let’s encourage more physical activity, not make it difficult and dangerous.”
Chris Dyck, another resident who bikes on the trails two to four times a week, said people need to be mindful when using the trails.
“Whether you’re biking, running or walking, stay on the right side of the path. If you’re listening to music, make sure the volume is low enough so you can hear a bike bell or voice coming from behind,” Dyck said in an emailed statement. “If you’re cycling, always ring your bell when approaching slower-moving traffic, and as a cyclist, I really appreciate it when a pedestrian acknowledges my bell ringing.”
He mentioned that in high-speed areas, having speed bumps or barriers could help slow down traffic.
Currently, the city is not considering speed limits for trails. Aaron Giesbrecht, manager of policing services, said cyclists must already yield to pedestrians and avoid reckless riding under St. Albert’s traffic bylaw.
“Cycling at an excessive speed could be deemed reckless when considering conditions like visibility and number of users on the trail,” Giesbrecht said.
From a policing standpoint, serious collisions on St. Albert’s trails appear to be rare. Cpl. Curtis Harsulla, commander of the RCMP traffic unit, said none have crossed his desk in the three and a half years he has been posted in the city.
Still, he recommends trail users take simple steps to avoid accidents.
“What I would recommend is everybody using the trails, just simply be aware if you’re approaching a tight corner or a blind corner. Maybe give a stop for a second and pause and listen to see if anyone’s coming. Be it running, cycling, walking, anything at all. Just increase your awareness,” he said.
He added that wearing reflective or brightly coloured clothing can help other users know you’re there, and that reflective lights and bells should be installed on bikes.
“General awareness is key in every situation, but definitely applicable on the trails, on the sidewalks, wherever you are, awareness and being alert is going to be the best thing you can do to protect yourself,” said Harsulla.
