Stanley Park dispute between cyclists and walkers

In certain areas of Vancouver’s Stanley Park cyclists are prohibited to ride their bikes and yet it as apparent that a number of cyclists ignore signs and ride in said areas. Disgruntled pedestrians who frequently walk on the trails have had enough.

The issue has become endemic as the sheer number of riders using these trails far exceeds any previous exceptions that had been made. Last Sunday, Alison Martin and her husband Leif Oddson were walking on the Ravine Trail when they were passed by an estimated 25 cyclists. After Oddson confronted the group, the cyclists responded by completely disregarding the signs and merits of prohibiting cyclists from riding on the path.

In response to this happening, Martin called “311,” Vancouver’s non-emergency line for information and was able to get a response from local park rangers who visited the scene to investigate.

There have been numerous events in the past with cyclists using a “cyclist-free” trail. Collisions with pedestrians have been an all too common occurrence.

Park officials have acknowledged that there have been an increasing number of cyclists using the park and trail, it is uncommon for a group as large as 25 to be on the trail. Constance Barnes, park board vice chair has stated that she will follow up to find a better way to police the park.