Speeding can be a problem on Bowen's roads and Cpl Nancy Joyce of the Bowen Island RCMP is planning to enlist the help of local volunteers to increase awareness of the issue. She is planning to implement the Speed Watch program and invites interested islanders to participate.
"I see the Speed Watch as an educational program with a focus to have drivers become more aware of their speeds in those areas where we feel there are concerns for the safety of pedestrians, animals, cyclists and other drivers," Joyce said.
Speed Watch is an educational road safety initiative aiming to reduce speed-related crashes in B.C. communities. Local volunteers use radar and electronic speed-reader boards supplied by ICBC to show drivers how fast they're actually traveling. The equipment helps volunteers monitor drivers' speeds throughout the community including school and playground zones.
"Speed Watch is a great opportunity for citizens to get involved and help make their roads safer for everyone in the community," said Tom Webster, local road safety coordinator. "Research shows that the program works - over 70 per cent of drivers traveling 10km/h over the speed limit slow down when they see a speed-reader board."
Joyce has planned training sessions at the Bowen Island RCMP detachment office at 1017 Miller Road for March 21. The time is yet to be determined. "We will initially get the program under way and expect that the time commitment will be two to three hours per volunteer, per month, depending upon the number of volunteers that we are able to encourage to help out," Joyce said.
"With respect to areas of concern, we are looking at the areas where there is any potential of higher speeds - such as Grafton Road, Adams Road, Sunset Road, Bowen Bay Road, Eaglecliff Road and the Seven Hills area. We are also likely to focus on the school zone near BICS," Joyce said, adding that the program has potential on any road on Bowen as our speed limits are lower than those of the lower mainland.
