From the folks at the Observatory
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 6:54 pm
HI All,
I try to avoid it as much as I can, but some of you love to ride it. SO here is a note from the site operator at the Observatory, pointing out that it is not a right to ride there, but a privilege (weird privilege in my books) so obey the rules or you won't have that privilege anymore.
Hello Cyclists,
Spring has arrived much earlier this year and I probably should have sent this message out sooner. This is the third email from me in the last couple weeks however this message is by far the most important.
As always, thank you to all of you who adhere to the rules of the road and demonstrate safe cycling practices on the Observatory hill. Unfortunately we continue to have a number of riders who disregard the rules and just the evening before last I received a message from one of our Senior Management staff indicating that three riders passed through the main building cross walk area at “Mach 10”. A figure of speech but I think we get the point. Unfortunately I had left for the day and wasn’t here to catch up with and speak to the riders. This is totally unacceptable and is exactly the behaviour that will cause Management to decide that the risk of someone getting hurt is too great and decide to shut down the hill to public cycling access. A near miss is all it is going to take! As leaders in the cycling community you need to ensure your colleagues and members take this annual message seriously so this doesn’t happen.
Again, some old and a few new important reminders and rules to abide by when accessing Observatory Hill:
· Our business and facility are essentially a 24/7 operation. A closed gate does not mean there will not be vehicular traffic on the road nor does the gate impede the other users, walkers, hikers, pets and wildlife from access.
· Our busiest commuting period is Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 9:30 am and 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Group cycling activities should be avoided during these periods.
· Ride according to the posted speed limits at all times and particularly through the building site where there is abundant pedestrian traffic and a blind corner.
· Helmets are mandatory in accordance with BC Law.
· Cycling traffic is restricted from proceeding around the 1.8 m Dome, consistent with motor vehicle traffic rules. Signage has been installed indicating this is for pedestrians only.
· We are also requesting that cyclists who are training or in groups, use the circle turn-about located between the White House and the smaller telescope dome (near the concrete water tank) as their upper point of return. Once the Summer Camps start the road will be barricaded near this location so please
· Absolutely no off-road cycling is permitted on site whatsoever.
· If training in groups please try keep your numbers spread out so as not to impede traffic and permit passing. Do not congest the travelled portions – use the parking lot areas for rest or discussion.
· Always stay within your lane.
· The Commissionaires are our contracted Security Company. Please treat them with respect. They are communicating our rules and policy.
· During Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Public Observing nights, Observatory Hill will be closed to recreational cycling on those evenings from 7:00 pm onward. (Apr 25, May 2,9,16,23,30, Jul 18,25, Aug 1,8,29 & Sept 12)
Observatory Hill is the property of National Research Council Canada and for all intents and purposes, it is private property. Safety of all is our utmost priority.
We look forward to your continued support in encouraging all cyclists to abide by our rules and to exercise caution at all times. Please help all of us by disseminating this message to your cycling colleagues and even those you may not know but encounter on the hill.
Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns and please report any unsafe condition or incidents. Thank you and safe cycling!
Best Regards,
Clyde Donnelly, FMA
Site Operations Supervisor
Administrative Services and Property Management / Direction des services administratifs et gestion de l'immobilier
National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches 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
I try to avoid it as much as I can, but some of you love to ride it. SO here is a note from the site operator at the Observatory, pointing out that it is not a right to ride there, but a privilege (weird privilege in my books) so obey the rules or you won't have that privilege anymore.
Hello Cyclists,
Spring has arrived much earlier this year and I probably should have sent this message out sooner. This is the third email from me in the last couple weeks however this message is by far the most important.
As always, thank you to all of you who adhere to the rules of the road and demonstrate safe cycling practices on the Observatory hill. Unfortunately we continue to have a number of riders who disregard the rules and just the evening before last I received a message from one of our Senior Management staff indicating that three riders passed through the main building cross walk area at “Mach 10”. A figure of speech but I think we get the point. Unfortunately I had left for the day and wasn’t here to catch up with and speak to the riders. This is totally unacceptable and is exactly the behaviour that will cause Management to decide that the risk of someone getting hurt is too great and decide to shut down the hill to public cycling access. A near miss is all it is going to take! As leaders in the cycling community you need to ensure your colleagues and members take this annual message seriously so this doesn’t happen.
Again, some old and a few new important reminders and rules to abide by when accessing Observatory Hill:
· Our business and facility are essentially a 24/7 operation. A closed gate does not mean there will not be vehicular traffic on the road nor does the gate impede the other users, walkers, hikers, pets and wildlife from access.
· Our busiest commuting period is Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 9:30 am and 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Group cycling activities should be avoided during these periods.
· Ride according to the posted speed limits at all times and particularly through the building site where there is abundant pedestrian traffic and a blind corner.
· Helmets are mandatory in accordance with BC Law.
· Cycling traffic is restricted from proceeding around the 1.8 m Dome, consistent with motor vehicle traffic rules. Signage has been installed indicating this is for pedestrians only.
· We are also requesting that cyclists who are training or in groups, use the circle turn-about located between the White House and the smaller telescope dome (near the concrete water tank) as their upper point of return. Once the Summer Camps start the road will be barricaded near this location so please
· Absolutely no off-road cycling is permitted on site whatsoever.
· If training in groups please try keep your numbers spread out so as not to impede traffic and permit passing. Do not congest the travelled portions – use the parking lot areas for rest or discussion.
· Always stay within your lane.
· The Commissionaires are our contracted Security Company. Please treat them with respect. They are communicating our rules and policy.
· During Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Public Observing nights, Observatory Hill will be closed to recreational cycling on those evenings from 7:00 pm onward. (Apr 25, May 2,9,16,23,30, Jul 18,25, Aug 1,8,29 & Sept 12)
Observatory Hill is the property of National Research Council Canada and for all intents and purposes, it is private property. Safety of all is our utmost priority.
We look forward to your continued support in encouraging all cyclists to abide by our rules and to exercise caution at all times. Please help all of us by disseminating this message to your cycling colleagues and even those you may not know but encounter on the hill.
Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns and please report any unsafe condition or incidents. Thank you and safe cycling!
Best Regards,
Clyde Donnelly, FMA
Site Operations Supervisor
Administrative Services and Property Management / Direction des services administratifs et gestion de l'immobilier
National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches 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