(CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – June 20, 2024) – Don’t forget to ring! Today, CNIB PEI launched a new public awareness initiative to encourage more cyclists, e-scooters and e-bike riders to ring their bicycle bells when approaching pedestrians along the Confederation Trail.
The campaign was inspired by a walking group in PEI, composed of community members who are blind or have low vision, following unsafe encounters with riders on the trail who failed to ring their bicycle 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 hazardous and stressful situations for pedestrians,” says Joanna Barker, Program Lead, CNIB PEI.
To help address this issue, CNIB received a grant from the Province of PEI’s Gender, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (GEDI) & Community Enhancement Program to develop a public awareness campaign to enable safe and accessible journeys for all.
A campaign launch event was held at the Delta Hotel, where community members distributed free bicycle bells and spoke about the importance of signalling with a bike bell when approaching pedestrians on shared pathways.
“Ringing your bicycle bell is a small gesture of respect that makes shared outdoor spaces like the Confederation Trail safer and more enjoyable for everyone. It alerts pedestrians of a cyclist’s presence and serves as a courteous heads-up, preventing sudden surprises, collisions, and injuries,” says Joanna.
Free bicycle bells are still available at CNIB Charlottetown, Cycling PEI, Bike Friendly Communities PEI and Visitor Information Centres, while supplies last.
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About CNIB
Founded in 1918, CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work is powered by a network of volunteers, donors, and partners from coast to coast to coast. To learn more or get involved, visit cnib.ca.