Cycling is becoming a wildly popular pastime in the Foothills, and it’s no wonder.
With views of the mountains, fresh clean air and Mother Nature on all sides, the Foothills offer a picturesque location for those looking to escape the hustle, noise and pollution of Big City living.
Those who are using the region as a backyard to play in need to remember it is still the front yard of many residents who are patiently, albeit grudgingly, sharing the space with visitors.
It’s particularly contentious in the hamlet of Priddis, where it’s not only cyclists on the roads causing issues — it’s the vehicles they use to transport their bicycles out to the country. Some residents are finding they can’t park outside the store on a Saturday morning, let alone go for coffee or lunch at local businesses or use the community hall for functions.
MD of Foothills Coun. Suzanne Oel is connecting with the Priddis Community Association and the MD to work out a solution to ongoing tensions between drivers, residents and cyclists. She plans to bring cycling groups into the conversation to gather input from all stakeholders.
It’s a good start, but there may not be one single solution to the issues faced by people in the MD - or by cyclists, who are concerned about impatient motorists riding too close for comfort on narrow roads.
Residents need to be patient with visitors to the region, just as visitors must be mindful of private property and respectful of business and day-to-day lives in Priddis.
Drivers need to exercise caution and patience on the road, remembering that cyclists have the right to the lane and vehicles are expected to pass when safe to do so, as they would another car. Cyclists must ride single file and put safety and respect first as well.
With a lot of patience and open discussion, everyone will be able to enjoy the Foothills — whether they live here or just want to take a deep breath of fresh air.
