Editor:
Finally, it seems, the summer weather is upon us. And as we all know, with warmer weather comes the onslaught of traffic that zooms along our crowded highways, parkways, and residential streets.
There have been many articles and responses in the past month regarding the growing need for action in regards to the issue of speeding through the Bow Valley. Most are quick to suggest a stronger police presence on roads and harsher penalties for those who are found to be disregarding their own safety and the safety of others.
While I do agree that speeders can be deterred by the presence of marked law enforcement vehicles on the roads, I do not think that it is fair to place all of the responsibility in the hands of our fine RCMP, wardens, and highway patrol officers.
As citizens of the Bow Valley, we take pride in many aspects of our lifestyle and that pride should extend to our actions on roadways. Many local businesses are proud to be “Serving the Bow Valley”, and I believe that part of serving your community is helping to keep it safe.
We are all aware that the speed limit in the park is 90 km/h; it helps to keep people safe, and it also strives to keep our precious wildlife safe. Whether a company offers guided tours, taxi and shuttle services, or home repair, it is part of the face of the valley’s community, and should be held to a higher accountability. As a community, we need to be the change that we want to see.
Regardless of one’s thoughts towards penalties for speeders, I’m sure that we can all agree to be a part of the solution for the sake of our families, friends, and neighbours. It takes no effort to set one’s cruise control to 90 km/h instead of 100 km/h, and it may even help to sway the minds of others. Besides, the view is always better from the cruising lane anyway.
Tyler McClure,
Banff
