Words June Murray Dagnall
As summer arrives on the Saanich Peninsula, the trails fill with footsteps, the roads with bikes, and both locals and visitors take to the streets to explore and enjoy the beauty of the season. With all this increased activity, it is vital that we share these spaces respectfully and safely. Practising safe habits with courtesy and awareness helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the Peninsula’s scenic routes and vibrant communities.
A few universal golden rules apply to all three of these modes of transport. Respecting others’ space ensures everyone feels comfortable and safe. Clear communication, such as using signals or voice alerts, helps prevent confusion and collisions. Keeping our paths clean demonstrates care for our community and environment. By prioritizing safety over speed, we protect ourselves as well as those around us. Practising patience and kindness turns every journey into a more pleasant experience for everyone.
Pedestrians play a key role in keeping shared spaces safe. Always walk on the right and pass on the left to keep foot traffic flowing smoothly. Be predictable by avoiding sudden stops or stepping into bike lanes unexpectedly. When walking a pet, keep them on short leashes to prevent accidents. Minimize distractions, stay alert when using earbuds and avoid looking down at your phone. Use designated crosswalks and follow all traffic signals to ensure everyone’s safety.
Cyclists may be seasoned adults, or they may be children learning the ropes on their first bike rides. As cyclists, one should always ride with awareness and courtesy. Alert pedestrians before passing them with a bell or a friendly “On your left!” and use standard hand gestures to signal turns. Follow traffic rules by stopping at lights and stop signs, and riding with the flow of traffic. Be extra cautious in parks, near playgrounds and on narrow trails by slowing down, and always yield to pedestrians on shared paths.
Make yourself visible to cars and others by wearing bright clothing and having reflectors and a light on your bicycle, especially during early morning or evening rides. Ride single file, except when passing another cyclist. Ensure nothing will get caught in your bike chain, such as loose pant legs, backpack straps or shoelaces. Summer flip-flops, shoes with heels or cleats won’t help grip the pedals, and riding with bare feet is a definite “No!” Headphones are a hazard, as the music can distract one from noise around you – which may be important such as a car horn so you can get out of the way. Handlebars are for your hands, and you should always ride your bicycle holding them. Wearing a bike helmet is law according to the Sidney RCMP Safety Road tips and if not adhered to will result in a fine.
Please visit the RCMP website for complete information on BC Driving Laws, Vehicle Types and Pedestrian safety: www.rcmp.ca/en/bc/safety-tips/road-safety.
Drivers share the road with cyclists and pedestrians and play a crucial role in keeping everyone safe. When passing a cyclist, drivers are required to leave a minimum of three feet (one metre) of space. They must stay alert at crosswalks and bike lanes, yield to pedestrians, and check carefully before turning or opening car doors to exit, by checking their side mirrors often. Drivers must observe speed limits, especially in residential areas and zones with high foot and bike traffic. Above all, avoid distractions and always stay focused on the road.
With the warm summer weather, our beautiful Saanich Peninsula is bustling with cars, bikes and flip-flop-clad pedestrians dodging seagulls and chasing sunsets. Whether you are driving to visit one of the incredible markets, cycling to beautiful beaches or strolling down the road in search of a delicious coffee, please remember that we are all trying to enjoy the same sunshine without bumping into each other! Let’s keep it courteous, keep it slow, and leave the honking to our Canada geese!
