Editor: The article ‘Canmore RCMP reminds public concerning bike safety laws’ brings some needed attention to what rules those riding bikes need to follow.
As is often the case, however, things are more complicated than they seem. For example, cyclists do not need to ride close to the right curb where there are bike lanes or shared lanes, many of which may not be obvious to motorists.
Nor do they, when passing over the Bow River bridge, where cyclists are in fact entitled to ride in the middle of the road, potentially impeding traffic.
In addition, layered on top of the public roadways to which the Traffic Safety Act applies, there is a system of pathways in Canmore with different rules.
For instance, at marked pathway crossings, cyclists do not need to dismount and it’s the motorists that must yield. So it’s no surprise, then, that some confusion exists on the part of cyclists and motorists. Which, in turn, points to the need for both parties to ride and drive defensively and considerately.
There is a wonderful initiative to make Canmore the most bicycle-friendly town in Alberta, and the Town and community have gone to great lengths to bring that to fruition: 50 kilometres of pavement markings, 80 km of multi-use paths, bike racks, maintenance stands, skills parks.
It’s great for everyone on bikes and, with the resulting reduction in traffic, it’s great for everyone in cars.
Jamie McVicar,
Banff
