QUESTION:
I notice that with dogs, cyclists and skateboarders all using the Spirit Trail it can be confusing. How do we all get along on the same path?
Answer:
The new Spirit Trail from Ambleshire almost all the way to Lonsdale Quay is a fantastic new resource. But it can also be a source of confrontation when pedestrians, people in mobility devices, dogs and cyclists all use it at the same time.
The Spirit Trail was conceived as a multi-use trail to encourage people to walk or cycle near the North Shore waterfront. By linking communities, it also provides a safe means for people to travel without their car across the North Shore. Once complete, the Spirit Trail will extend from Deep Cove all the way to Horseshoe Bay and will become a destination cycling trip like the Galloping Goose trail on Vancouver Island.
Here at Pedal Pushers we hope and expect that the number of people cycling will increase as a result of this safe, well-lit and relatively flat path. We also hope that a new spirit of co-operation amongst users can emerge from this positive development. It's really just a matter of being polite and respectful of all users.
For example, if you are out riding on a Sunday afternoon in Ambleside, that's a pretty busy time for all users. Our rule is to pass pedestrians and those with dogs in particular at close to walking speed. If you can alert them to your presence without freaking them out, that's a good idea too.
Sometimes using the bell is not great because it causes panic - especially with dogs. Try to make a sound with your brakes or your voice as you slowly pass. If you see a family riding up ahead, and the parents are teaching their kids to stay to the right, be sure to pass carefully because kids can swerve.
By comparison, if it is the winter, 8 p.m. at night and pouring rain, riding the Spirit Trail at higher velocity is usually not going to cause a problem, but always watch out for dogs taking their humans out for their evening walks.
A couple of sections of the Spirit Trail in particular are not very wide. Between Whonoak Road and Pemberton, the path narrows and winds through a residential area. In these areas, if you are a fast-moving cyclist or a on a serious high-speed group ride, it's better to use an alternate route if available, or slow right down, ride single file and move around residents out for a stroll.
The newest section of the Spirit Trail at Harbourside separates walking and cycling paths, which makes for happy walkers, dogs and cyclists.
As the Spirit Trail continues to build out, let's all work to make sure everyone can enjoy this common resource.
The Pedal Pushers are Dan Campbell, Antje Wahl, Anita Leonhard and Heather Drugge, four North Shore residents who use their bikes for transportation. They can be reached at [email protected].
