Eric Braekevelt doesn’t think the infrastructure along the Rideau Canal is a problem for cyclists.
Government worker Eric Braekevelt, 42, says he doesn’t think the infrastructure along the Rideau Canal is the problem for cyclists.
The behaviour of other cyclists can make riding along the Rideau Canal dangerous.
“I’ve certainly seen unsafe behaviour on the bike paths,” he said. “There are people riding too quickly, too aggressive.”
An accident is waiting to happen when an aggressive cyclist pulls out into oncoming traffic to pass, Braekevelt said.
Travis Sztainert says distracted cycling is a big concern.
Travis Sztainert, 29, a post-doctoral fellow in psychology at Carleton University, says he doesn’t want to see higher barriers constructed to prevent cyclists from plunging into the canal.
The way the barriers are now makes him feel like he’s in Amsterdam canal system.
“I’m all for safety but only if it doesn’t take away from the esthetic of the canal,” Sztainert said. “I just wouldn’t want to see intrusive barriers and signs everywhere.
Sztainert said distracted riding is a concern for cyclists. He’s witnessed cyclists talking on their cellphones or texting instead of paying attention to path ahead.
Emilie Carter says she thinks the bike paths along the Rideau Canal are safe.
Émilie Carter, 24, a nurse in Gatineau, said she feels much safer on Ottawa’s bike paths than on the roads.
Carter said she can understand how an accident can happen if a cyclist hits a pothole and tries to avoid a pedestrian walking along the path.
Carter said the current height of barriers along the canal are sufficient. If they were higher, cyclists would be danger of getting seriously injured if they crash into the barrier instead of falling into the water.
“Unless you’re going really fast, you can’t really flip over it,” she said.
Jeff Wieser says the Rideau Canal bike paths are safe.
Carleton University employee Jeff Wieser, 55, said cyclists can run into trouble if they don’t pay attention, especially on busy and congested days.
“You’ve got to pay attention,” he said. “I guess that’s the bottom line.”
If you get cut off and lose control, a higher barrier or a railing along the canal likely won’t help, he said.
Wieser said he’s been riding the Rideau Canal for years and says it’s safe if you ride carefully.
Alan Reid shares his views on cycling along the Rideau Canal.
Alan Reid, 55, a government worker, says he worries that a higher barrier along the Rideau Canal can make for dangerous riding.
“You can be a little bit nervous because you don’t want to catch a handle bar on the railing and hit one of those concrete posts,” Reid said.
It can be dangerous when walkers or joggers decide to suddenly change directions on the path without looking behind them first, Reid said.
Another potentially dangerous situation arises when walkers or joggers have their music blasting so loud they can’t hear a cyclist approaching from behind.
“It’s a bell, not an air horn,” Reid said. “You have to keep your eyes open.”
