By: Joanna Barker
For the past seven years, a group of CNIB participants and volunteers in Charlottetown, PEI, have been a part of a group that walks along the Confederation Trail – a decommissioned railway and popular path for pedestrians and cyclists that runs across the province.
Over the years, one reoccurring (and avoidable) issue that the walkers regularly experienced was the passing of unannounced cyclists. That is, cyclists who pass by without ringing their bells upon approach.
For people with sight loss, a silent and unexpected bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter whizzing by on a shared pathway can be disorientating and dangerous, creating unsafe and stressful situations for pedestrians. Moreover, under the Highway Traffic Act, having a bell on your bike is the law in PEI.
"It can be disarming and throw you off balance," said Danny Hennessey of the walking group at a meeting about the issue. This meeting became the first steering committee meeting for what is now known as The Bike Bell Campaign: Don't Forget to Ring!
The group decided they wanted to hand out bike bells on the trail and spread the word about how ringing your bike bell when approaching pedestrians is a simple gesture of respect that makes shared outdoor spaces more enjoyable for everyone.
The group secured a grant from the Province of PEI’s Gender, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (GEDI) & Community Enhancement Program to make this idea a reality and on June 20, during the local Bike Week celebrations in Charlottetown, we held a campaign launch event in Charlottetown.
As part of the public awareness campaign, we're also distributing bicycle bells for free! Cyclists can pick up a free bicycle bell at CNIB Charlottetown, Cycling PEI, Bike Friendly Communities PEI and across the province at Visitor Information Centres while supplies last.
Though this campaign was specific to PEI, many tourists are eager to bring the idea back to their home province. Spread the word to your rider and cyclist friends – get a bell, and don't forget to ring! Please check out our Don't Forget to Ring webpage for more information.