By : Tempo Staff.

Mayor Lee Patterson has introduced a new set of rules for Lac Brome’s 20 km of public trails to improve etiquette, reduce conflict and make the trails safer and more pleasant for everyone – pedestrians, dog-walkers, cyclists, roller skaters, even skateboarders.

The new rules were tabled at the April council meeting and are expected to be adopted at the next council meeting. The Council said it welcomed input from residents at a meeting planned for April 23.

Speed Limits Introduced

The main changes create speed limits in different zones. For example, the speed limit is 22 km/h in most zones, except for heavily travelled zones through town between Victoria and Lakeside, and around parks, where the maximum speed proposed is limited to 10 km/h. No more speeding cyclists bellowing and weaving through pedestrians!

Other New Rules

• Dogs must be leashed and on leashes no longer than 1.85 metres. No more dogs running on extendible leashes.
• Pedestrians have the right of way on bridges and cyclists are asked to walk their bikes across bridges.

The new rules aim to raise awareness about the importance of respect for other trail users, mostly just common courtesy and good sense. Failure to respect the rules could result in fines between $50 and $300 for a repeat offender. Also, the rules stipulate that horses, cars, ATVs, motorcycles and other large vehicles (except for public vehicles) are not allowed on the trails.