Local resident Mike O'Meara said to Lakes District 亚洲天堂 that he thinks people have forgotten to be courteous when passing pedestrians, bicycle riders and horseback riders on local roads.
While it is not the law to slow down and move over for pedestrians, horseback riders and bicycle riders, O鈥橫eara said it is a common courtesy that he feels is being neglected.
O'Meara said he is very concerned about the safety of pedestrians and recreational road users in the local area and he said he has noticed more frequently that passing vehicles fail to slow down and move over to allow safe and sufficient room when passing.
"There is no consideration given to pedestrians, bike riders or horseback riders," he said.
O'Meara said he walks and cycles along Colleymount Road frequently and he has noticed the problem. "My neighbours will not allow their kids to bike to the store because it is unsafe," he added.
"I know that everyone is in a hurry and has somewhere to be, but if they could just let off the gas when passing it would be much safer," he said.
According to Cpl. Ryan Fehler from the 亚洲天堂 Lake RCMP detachment, cyclists are required to abide by the same rules and regulations set out by the Motor Vehicle Act as the operators of motor vehicles must abide by. A person operating a bicycle on a highway has the same rights as a driver of a vehicle, but also has the same responsibilities to follow the laws of the road.
Bicycle riders should also wear a helmet and if riding in pairs they should not ride side by side. It is also an offence to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk.
Regulations do require motorists to take care when passing pedestrians on a highway.
The Motor Vehicle Act states that it is the duty of driver to exercise care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian who is walking on a highway.
Motorists are required to give a warning to a pedestrian when necessary, by sounding the horn of their vehicle.
Pedestrians are also required to do their part to ensure their safety.
Section 182 of the Motor Vehicle Act states that if there is a sidewalk available, a pedestrian must not walk on a road. If there is no sidewalk, a pedestrian walking along a highway must walk only on the extreme left side of the road or the shoulder of the highway, facing traffic approaching from the opposite direction.
Horse riders also have the same rights as motorists and are also subject to the same rules and regulations.
The Motor Vehicle Act states that a person riding an animal has the right of way and is subject to the duties of the driver of a vehicle.
When passing a horse and its rider, motorists should be aware that horses can be frightened easily by sudden sounds and unfamiliar objects.
Horse riders should also do their part to ensure safety by traveling in the same direction as the traffic where possible.
