I will link to the original articles and I will also copy the text of the Articles, as the Golden Star doesn't seem to like keeping items up for a long time.
Original Article
Practising bike, skateboard and scooter safety may save your life.
According to information available at the Golden/Field RCMP office, every year more than 100 Canadians die and thousands more are seriously injured as a result of bike accidents. Head injuries count for about half that total. Accidents can happen to any rider, so the RCMP encourage riders to buy a helmet, wear it and set the right example for younger riders.
Sgt. Troy Durand, detachment commander for the Golden/Field RCMP, says that in his experience, many riders in Golden have a real problem with proper helmet use.
“In a community like this, it is an issue that I don’t understand. This is such an adventurous and recreationalist community and I have literally seen riders heading up to Mount 7 with their helmets strapped to their packs on the ride up there.”
While helmet fines might not be enough to deter some riders, Durand says this issue is particularly concerning to him because of a past experience having seen a cyclist killed due to head injuries where the cyclist was not wearing a helmet.
People often say that it is their personal safety at risk so it should be their choice, but Durand says that riders must remember there are other people at risk besides the victim.
Most bicycle helmets on the market meet the minimum requirement of one or more of the Canadian Standards Association. If you are buying a new helmet, make sure it has a sticker indicating that it meets one or more of these standards. Just as important, ensure your helmet fits properly. It shouldn’t tip forward or backward, but fit snugly and squarely on your head. If you’re not sure, ask for help at our local bike shops.
Also remember, when you ride remember the rules of the road. The Motor Vehicle Act applies to bike riders, skateboarders and scooters. Respect motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. And always expect the unexpected. Getting into the right gear also includes wearing clothing that’s bright enough to be seen on the road or trail, using lights at night and taking the time to give your bike a safety check.
Durand says that cyclists, skateboarders and scooters also need to be aware of the rules of the road. “When riding a bike, board or scooter, people still need to be aware of their surroundings. Be courteous to pedestrians and follow the rules of the road.”
The fine for riding a bike on the sidewalk is $109.
For more information on bike safety and the rules of the road, visit www.bikesense.bc.ca.
Dear Editor,
Sgt Durand stated that helmets can save lives. I agree and disagree. The most important factor in wearing a helmet is what is underneath that helmet, the brain. Knowledge of how to use the road, and how to interact with other roadway users is what matters when trying to increase safety. Wearing a helmet, can in some cases save lives. Knowledge will save it many times over. I have witnessed many bad drivers and cyclists in this town.
The statistics show that more bikes that ride on the road, regardless of helmets or not, make the streets safer for everyone, including drivers. Also statistically based on kms driven/ridden it is much more dangerous to drive a car, than a bike, with or without a helmet. Education by both car drivers and bikes helps reduce crashes.
In Golden, it would be great to see more bikes on the roadway, but if people ride on the sidewalk, isn’t that a reflection of how unsafe they must feel on the road where they belong? I know many people that cross the bridge on the sidewalk, as they are too scared to “take the lane” and use the power of the Motor Vehicle Act.
This town is ideal for anyone wanting to do shopping, work and recreation by bike (and walking). Any trip around 3km, is ideal to bike. The whole town is under that. So get on your bike, stay on the road and off the sidewalks.
I do agree with Sgt Durand, that when out of town on or off the road and in low light situations wearing a helmet is needed, as drivers are not expecting to see bikes. I also know that having lights can make a big difference as well. As can drivers that follow the 50km/h speed limit and to give bikes the space they need.
Luke Nichols
Golden Active Transport Coordinator
Golden, B.C.
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