I almost made it through the summer without seeing a serious bike accident, then recently a child dashed across the path at the Peace Garden and was hit by a cyclist coming around the curb. Luckily, both the cyclist, who flipped over the child after hitting him, and the child walked away.
Perhaps the Tribune could nudge the city to enact laws, or at least promote educational measures.
Create stencils with warnings like “Pedestrians stay on the right” or “Reduce speed” that can be applied to the path at intervals. The power of suggestion goes a long way.
Assign “officer friendly” duties to bicycle police officers, which could include handing out safety suggestions to people who stop their bikes in the middle of the path or who walk dogs on extended leashes, forming trip wires to bikers and bladers.
If the city wants biking to be an alternative means of transportation, it better be a little more proactive than just “use the path at your own risk.”
Helmets seem insufficient. Next year I’m going for full-body armor.
