This message went out recently. Note there's some upcoming construction that will limit access to the top of the hill during business hours.
Martin
VCL Community - please read the attached piece carefully, and share it with your cycling friends. It is up to each of us to be responsible, and respect the venue and the people who work there!!
Hello Cyclists, June 2019
I have not put out a message in a while and it is certainly time. Unfortunately of late I have received numerous complaints from individuals who have encountered or witnessed unsafe riding practices as well as cycling activities outside the rules of the Observatory. To all you riders who have demonstrated leadership and practised safe cycling on Observatory Hill, thank you.
It is important to understand that Observatory Hill is the property of the National Research Council Canada, it is not a park. Public access is at our prerogative and safety is our utmost priority. Your continued assistance in policing those non-compliant individuals is greatly appreciated.
Again this year there will be construction for a new building just as you enter the building site. During regular working hours (Mon – Fri, 0700 hrs – 1730 hrs) cyclists will be required to turn around right at this juncture. This project will take about 1 year and commencing around the beginning of July 2019.
A few important reminders and rules to abide by when accessing Observatory Hill:
• Our facility is a 24/7 operation with ongoing construction projects. A closed gate does not mean there will not be vehicular traffic on the road nor does the gate impede the dog walkers, hikers and wildlife from access.
• Our busiest commuting period is M-F 8:00 am – 9:30 am and 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Group cycling activities should be avoided during these periods.
• Public events at the Centre of the Universe will be held on Saturday nights throughout the summer. There will be no cycling access during these evenings. In addition, we anticipate additional bus traffic throughout the week this summer.
• School Tours are being held through June at the Centre of the Universe and riders will be asked to turn around at a set of pylons prior to reaching the summit.
• Respect posted speed limits at all times, especially near the buildings where there is abundant pedestrian traffic and a blind corner. Always stay in your lane.
• A New Stop Sign has been installed just above the main building. Please adhere to this new requirement. We have had a few near misses at this location.
• Helmets are mandatory, in accordance with BC Law.
• The electronic gate shall under no circumstances be interfered with to hold open for cyclist traffic during closed hours.
• Cycling traffic is not permitted around the 1.8 m Dome. Signage indicates that this is for pedestrians only.
• Cyclists who are training or in groups are asked to use the turn-about loop located between the White House and the smaller telescope dome (near the concrete water tank) as their upper point of return.
• If training in groups please try to keep spread out so as not to impede traffic and permit passing. Do not congest the travelled portions of the roadway – use parking areas away from the through lane for rest or discussion.
• Off-road cycling is strictly prohibited on site.
We appreciate your continued support in encouraging all cyclists to abide by our rules and to exercise safe riding practices at all times. If you can disseminate this message to your cycling colleagues it would be greatly appreciated.
Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns and please report any unsafe conditions or incidents.
Thank you all and safe cycling!
Best Regards,
Clyde Donnelly, FMA
Site Operations Supervisor
Administrative Services and Property Management
National Research Council Canada
5071 W Saanich Rd, Victoria, V9E 2E7
Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
Phone 250 363 0004 \ Cel 250 888 1093 \ Fax 250 363 0077 \ Clyde.Donnelly@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Observatory riding rules
Moderator: mfarnham