Following a wave of concern on cycling safety in recent weeks, the Whistler RCMP is reminding residents that helmets are mandatory; to reduce speeds on the Valley Trail; and to utilize bells or your voice when passing others.
Residents and guests to the resort can also expect more police utilizing bikes for enforcement this summer.
According to Cst. Katrina Boehmer, the Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP is working with the Resort Municipality of Whistler, as well as local bylaw officers and schools, to provide education on the laws and responsibilities of cycling in the resort.
“The goal of this education will be to ensure the safety of both the bicycling public and the pedestrian and animal traffic that utilize the amazing trail and road network systems in Whistler,” Boehmer said in an email.
Boehmer shared four safety tips and reminders for residents to keep in mind for cycling in the resort.
Helmets are the law
According to Boehmer, the law in British Columbia is that helmets must be worn when travelling on roadways, and parents cannot allow a child under 16 to operate a bicycle without a helmet.
“Helmets are boring, you say? Or perhaps hot and sweaty? They might wreck your hair… What if we said that helmets can reduce the severity of head and face injuries after a crash, they can protect your eyes and, with reflective material, make you more visible to vehicles on the roadway,” Boehmer said.
“We think these are pretty good reasons to sport a bad hair day after you reach your destination.”
Failure to wear a helmet on roadways can result in a fine. However, a handful of exceptions are available, details of which can be found on the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's website.
Safe passing
Whistler RCMP encourages cyclists to use a bell or your voice to alert pedestrians before passing.
“Let’s face it, everyone could use a cool bicycle bell, but if you can’t afford to buy one, using your voice to call out to others using the roadway or trail is just as cool as a bell!" Boehmer said.
"This can be especially important when passing pedestrians with mobility or hearing challenges, pedestrians using mobility devices, pedestrians walking dogs (or cats—your preference!), small children, or large groups of people travelling together.”
Speed
The third safety tip is to avoid travelling at high speeds. While there is currently no speed limit on the Valley Trail, the RCMP encourages cyclists to be courteous of others on the resort's pathways.
“Can speed be fun? Yes. Is it more fun to be courteous and considerate to others using the trails and pathways? Absolutely!” Boehmer said.
“The Valley Trail network and connecting roads are utilized by all forms of pedestrian traffic, and this includes people who may not immediately see or hear you. An unpredictable reaction from being passed unexpectedly could cause an unnecessary crash and injury to both the pedestrian/animal and cyclist.”
Parental involvement
The Whistler RCMP is requesting parents help kids avoid biking injuries by following the safety tips mentioned above, but most importantly, by setting a positive example by wearing their own helmets.
“You can expect to see our very own Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP bicycle officers out on the local trails in the near future, helping to educate those who haven’t read the safety tips provided here,” Boehmer said.
The Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP encourages all parents and youth operating bicycles in the municipality to refer to this information to ensure they are safe on the roadways, bike trails, and networks around town.
Learn more about biking in the resort at whistler.ca/services/transportation/cycling.
