URBAN MATTERS: Bike bell, dogs and Hub Trail etiquette.

We have a great Hub Trail and it might be time to invest in a Hub Trail etiquette awareness and YouTube video training program to make it even better.

PEDESTRIANS HAVE ABSOLUTE RIGHT OF WAY ON THE HUB TRAIL.

Pedestrians have the right of way on the Hub Trail and should always walk on the right. As a group never take up more than half the Hub Trial and be prepared to move over to the right when approaching others and when others are trying to pass.

Pedestrians need not block the Hub Trail; move off the Hub Trail to converse with others or enjoy the beauty of the Hub Trail.

Pedestrians need to be completely cognisant of their surroundings, watching for others and listening for approaching bikes from behind. You cannot be cognisant of others if you have headphones/earbuds in both ears.

Whether it is summer or winter don't "bend and pretend"; clean up after your dog. A dog must always be on a six (6) foot leash and control the animal when someone is trying to pass. It's scary and disrespectful to have your dog lunge at someone as they are trying to pass, especially on a bicycle.

A BICYCLE BELL IS MANDATORY IN ONTARIO, IT’S THE LAW.

Bicyclists need to yield to pedestrians; and always ride single file on the Hub Trail, at a safe reasonable speed.

A Bicycle bell is mandatory in Ontario and you need its functionality on the Hub Trail.

When a bicyclist approaches a pedestrian, from behind on the Hub Trail, common courtesy and etiquette require the bicyclist to ring the bell. Ring the bell far enough behind, to NOT startle the pedestrian and notify intent to pass. The bicyclist will call out "on your left" meaning that they are going to pass on the left side of the pedestrian.

The pedestrian must let the cyclist know that they have heard the bell and verbal request. This is best done by moving to the right and or a slight hand signal.

As the bicyclist passes the pedestrian "thank you" is called out because of Hub Trail etiquette.

That is the proper way for a bicyclist to pass a pedestrian or other bicyclist on the Hub Trail.

SAY HI!

The Hub Trail is a mental health tool and the best way to make someone's day is to be courteous and have proper Hub Trail etiquette by saying Hi. In some other country's cultures, it is the responsibility of the younger person to initial the greeting.

If someone looks like they are "new to the Sault" then saying Hi isn't just hello; it's thank you for choosing to come to the Sault; and we appreciate you coming here.

I’m so always impressed by how friendly the citizens of Petoskey, Midland and Traverse City, Michigan are on their Hub Trails; they always initiate Hi.

A 2021 Top of Michigan Trails Council study reported a direct $10.5 million benefit for the economies of Harbour Springs, Petoskey and Charlevoix tied directly to Little Traverse Bay Wheelway urban bike trail vacation stays. Being friendly and courteous on the Hub Trail is good for tourism.

BICYCLE SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE VIDEOS.

BikeBrampton created a series of short bicycling safety and etiquette training YouTube videos. It is a great education and training tool; we should consider doing it here in the Sault for our Hub Trail website information page.

Bike Brampton YouTube videos can be found at bikebrampton.ca

RESPECT AND ETIQUETTE FOR OUR HUB TRAIL.

Traverse City states that part of the etiquette for their TART Trails system requires donations of funds and volunteer time. "TART Trails relies on the generous contributions of individuals, families, businesses, and local organizations. In addition to mailed-in and online donations …TART Trials appreciates your support which makes trail development and maintenance possible."

Although funding is provided and appreciated by all levels of government for our Hub Trail, it's not enough money.

We need to implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy like Traverse City because we require these things to be completed on our Hub Trail:

Mark Menean, URBAN MATTERS.

Thank you:

BikeBrampton.ca

The TART trail system, Traverse City.

Top of Michigan Trails Council Report 2021