Image Credit: Julie Whittet
August 01, 2014 - 4:00 PM
KELOWNA - Get along little doggy and horses and bi-peds in the form of children, teens and adults while out on the trail in Kelowna.
The Regional District is reminding the public that there's many different kinds of traffic including people on horseback using the busy trail along the 16.5 km multi-use corridor of the Mission Creek Greenway and it's important to follow basic rules set out to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience.
“We see people using the Greenway in a variety of ways,” says Communications Officer Bruce Smith. “They may be getting their daily exercise, out for a relaxing stroll along the creek or simply getting from point A to B. Dog owners will have their pets on leash, while others are pushing strollers with infants. During the spring, summer and fall months there’s a huge increase in the number of people using the Greenway each day. As a result of all these various visitors and uses, sometimes there can be near-misses and periodic conflicts.”
Though the Regional District didn't share any details about the kinds of conflicts Parks Services Bylaw Officers have to deal with they had suggestions about how people can get along while using the trail and what they're doing to help.
“We’re out each day of the year patrolling sections of the Greenway and from May to September we have added staff making more frequent daily spot checks, watching for people who may not be aware of they are responsible for proper trail etiquette, in order to keep everyone safe,” Parks Services Bylaw Enforcement Officer Blaise Laveay says.
“Along the Greenway, cyclists shouldn’t go faster than ten kilometers an hour and should keep to the right side of the trail, unless they are passing someone on foot. They should also give an indication that they are approaching from behind by ringing a bell, honking a horn or simply vocally acknowledging their passing to the left. So that everyone can share the Greenway, cyclists and pedestrians should yield to horse riders while cyclists should yield to pedestrians. Generally speaking, for their safety, everyone on the trail should be aware of those around them.”
The Regional District wants to remind pet owners that dogs must be on a leash and stay on designated trails. Owners must pick up animal waste deposited along the trail. Unauthorized motor vehicles are not allowed along the Greenway.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014