Please see below. Although Tripleshot was not implicated directly if you or anybody you know partakes in similarly dangerous behaviour at the Observatory, please cease and desist! It would be tragic if cyclists were to be banned from riding the Observatory altogether.
Thanks,
J.
From: Clyde.Donnelly@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Date: Tue, 5 Nov 2013 08:46:42 -0800
Subject: Dangerous Cycling on Observatory Hill
Dear cyclists,
As the prime riding season ends I unfortunately have to say that the word regarding safe cycling and the possible consequences at Observatory Hill does not seem to be reaching or sinking in with a number of riders. While the majority are respectful of the rules, incidents of speeding, helmetless riders, unsafe practices and disrespect to staff or commissionaires continues.
Just recently we had a very near miss of a head-on collision between a car and a cyclist just below the White House. In this case, a descending cyclist travelling at high speed cut the corner into the ascending lane and at the last minute managed to just veer clear of an upcoming vehicle. This cannot go on. Someone will eventually get seriously injured. We continue to document too many reports of speeding cyclists and other incidents. Unfortunately we are generally unable to catch the offending cyclist(s) because they know when they have been spotted doing something wrong. By the time the incident is relayed to appropriate staff and they are able to respond, the rider(s) have left the hill.
Safety is the utmost priority, but chasing down rogue cyclists is not what we were hired to do. We understand that the offending individuals are in the minority and that some are independent individuals but, going by the attire descriptions, it’s likely that at least some belong to cycling teams or clubs. It is apparent that we’re still not connecting with these riders and we all need to do more. The bottom line and unfortunate situation is that the riders who refuse to follow the rules may spoil it for everyone. We are currently moving ahead with the installation of a sign at the main entrance gate with a message directed specifically to cyclists.
Please pass this and my annual message on to not only your team or circle of cycling friends but also to those other cycling enthusiasts that you encounter on Observatory Hill but may not know. Hopefully with your help we can continue to allow access while ensuring safety for all site users.
Paula wrote:I think the best thing to do is to avoid the observatory at all costs….
I think the only reasonable and safe solution would be to do a couple reps of Mt Doug on the way out to Lochside in place of the observatory.....just saying
I don't think we need to skip or avoid the Observatory hill. And riding up Mt Doug on the way out would mean having to cross Mt Doug Parkway, left turn, going to the hill and after the hill. Too dangerous in my mind with so many of us. Not that it is any less dangerous crossing W Saanich Rd I guess!
The Observatory is a great climb. We just need to be respectful, pass the word around and stay in positive communication with observatory operators.
Or, if we are looking for other hills to climb on the Sunday ride there is always Willis up to the old dump (a right hand turn both ways, up and back) and Hartland to the new dump. Hey, we could do all three and maybe throw in once up Sparton just because it is there!
Anika and Barton, I thought you were good folk and of sound mind and body, now I'm starting to question that. But come to think of all the crazy things you both do, I should have expected this!!
Sunday is suppose to be a day of rest. I suspect you have forgotten this.
