Full Resource - City of Edmonton

Student Resource
Green Spaces in the City
Responsibility on
shared use trails
Letter to the editor August 16 2012
I am a cyclist and I use my bike to commute to my
job. I’m also a trail runner. I have used Edmonton’s
shared use trails on a daily basis for the last 12
years. In all the years I’ve used these trails, I’ve been
involved in two accidents on them. In one accident,
another cyclist and I clipped each other because
neither of us were watching carefully enough. In the
other accident, an off-leash dog suddenly cut me off.
I almost hit another cyclist
I’ve also had close calls with walkers who do not pay
attention and wander all over the trail.
Although I’d love it if Edmonton had dedicated
roads and trails for cyclists, the fact is that our
parks and green spaces are filled with shared use
trails. As cyclists, runners and walkers, we all have
a responsibility to follow the rules and show respect
to each other on these trails. Common sense rules
should be followed by everyone.
Near misses on shared
use trails
Letter to the editor September 4, 2012
I live near the river valley and take advantage of its
gorgeous trails every chance I can. On my weekend
walks, I come across many cyclists who think they
should have the right of way. A shared use trail
means just that. Cyclists need to understand that
they have to share these public trails with everyone,
whether walkers or riders. This means slowing down
to avoid a terrible accident.
I intend to walk on the left side of these trails, so I
can at least see cyclists coming.
Chris, Edmonton
The first rule to remember is to stay on the right,
unless passing. This rule works on the roads, and
it should work on shared use trails too. The second
rule is to warn others when coming from behind
and passing. The third rule is to keep dogs on-leash
so they don’t endanger themselves or people on the
trails.
Karen, Edmonton
Make A Better City 117