Dear Editor,
I have lived in Okotoks for the past 12 years and am an avid walker, having walked literally thousands of kilometers over the town pathway system. Personally I consider our beautifully maintained town pathways to be one of the best features the Town offers to its residents.
Kudos to the Town workers who so carefully and thoroughly maintain these trails.
However, I do believe there is a real safety issue concerning the bridge that crosses the river by the library. This bridge is very narrow and can only easily accommodate people who meet when walking single file, so I have to assume the bridge was designed as a footbridge only.
The problem lies with the bikers who do not dismount and walk their bicycles across the bridge. Most do not and it can be a very unsettling experience as a walker when you are halfway across the bridge and meet an oncoming biker who gives you no indication whether or not he/she intends to dismount before meeting you, or if you are expected to flatten yourself against the rail and hope that a handlebar won’t catch you in the ribs?
This should not even be an issue as it seems to me that common sense should prevail. The bridge is definitely too narrow to accommodate a walker and an oncoming cyclist, and it is only sensible that a biker should dismount and walk their bike across the bridge in the interest of safety to everyone.
Maybe the Town should consider posting signs at both ends of the bridge instructing cyclists to do just that.
Due to the proximity to the assisted living residence, there are many seniors who use this part of the pathway, and some of them have mobility issues, so it must be very intimidating for them to meet a cyclist on the bridge, I know it is for me. Also, it would be very considerate and much appreciated if cyclists would warn pedestrians when approaching them from behind with a simple bell ring or a “passing on your left.” It is probably only a matter of time before a collision occurs, unfortunately.
It is too bad that these things even have to be mentioned as they should be viewed as common courtesy and consideration for all users of the pathways.
These pathways are here to be used by everyone, we are very fortunate to have them, but just a little bit of consideration and common sense would make them safer and more enjoyable for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Lynn MacMillan
Okotoks
