Fall has arrived on Bowen Island. Darkness shrouds early morning and evening ferry departures and arrivals once again. The new school term means more youngsters out on the roads and cyclists, motorcyclists and bikers hurry to get to the ferry on time. And don’t forget the moms and strollers braving the elements in the mid-day mist and rain. So what can we all do to avoid accidents and near-accidents on our sidewalk-deprived and street-light-less roads?
At the Rotary Club booth at Bowfest this year, small strobe lights were handed out to visitors as an introduction to our new project “Be Bright at Night on Bowen” in cooperation with Snug Cove House.
Here is the next step. On October 15, at the weekly Seniors Keeping Young meeting, there will be a display of these lights plus all sorts of other reflective gear to help you decide what suits you best, plus some useful advice on the topic. First on the program is a “New rules for retesting senior drivers” presentation by ICBC examiners. However, everyone is welcome at this meeting. Don’t let the “senior” word put you off – you may have a parent or grandparent to update. The show starts at 10 a.m. sharp at the hall at Bowen Court, 1070 Miller Road. Refreshments will be provided.
And our children, who are most at risk as they walk or bike to and from school in the early morning or late afternoon? To bring awareness to young people, the Rotary Club of Bowen Island and Snug Cove House are offering a $50 prize to a young person in grades five, six or seven, who creates the most interesting poster entitled “Be Bright at Night on Bowen,” illustrating the necessity of wearing reflective gear while walking, on a bike or in a car on our island. The deadline is October 18. Hand in your poster at the office at school or at 1219 Miller Road by the end of that day and you will be in line for that prize!
Finally, the RCMP and ICBC are combining forces in the next few weeks to distribute reflectors to students commuting into West Vancouver on the school buses and the ferry. So watch out, Bowen, we shall all be bright at night very soon!
