Safety reminder when you see horses

[LouiseF]

Hello Clubmates,

Posting this again so apologies to those of you who may have read it before the forum crashed the other night and my post was deleted.

This is a reminder about safety when cyclists and horses are sharing the road or trail. Hunt road is one place where both horses and cyclists frequently ride.

Last Weds afternoon two kids from my barn who were riding on Hunt road were surprised by a fast moving cyclist who approached from behind. One horse threw their rider onto the pavement and galloped off. He was later found at someone else's farm. The other horse took off for home at breakneck speed and the kid managed to hang on. The cyclist didn't even stop. No one was seriously hurt but this could have been a very serious incident.

I am sure that this was not a TS member but please get the word out to all the cyclists that you know and lead by example when you see horses on the roads or trails and slow down (alot), and let them know that you are there with a friendly hello. When I have been on horseback and have encountered cyclists some have been great and others have been rude and obnoxious, acting like they own the road.

Thanks for spreading the word!

Louise (L3)

[shawn]

I grew up riding horses all over Saanich so maybe I'm particularly empathetic, but I try to pass a person on a horse the same way I'd like car drivers to pass me - with consideration Big thumbs up to your reminder.

[markus]

If you approach from behind particularly on narrow roads and trails you need to alert horse and rider to your approach from a decent distance. Bikes are very quiet so there is a possibility of really surprising human, animal or both. Ring your bell, call out politely, whistle, cough or whatever it takes