Dear Brentwoodians,
Despite the high temperatures this weekend (at time of writing) and into next week, there is no mistaking that summer is over. Work is picking up, schools are back in, and evening and weekend extracurriculars are starting back up and filling our calendars. Let’s just remember to leave a little time to spend together with loved ones, and a little more time for ourselves!
One group of Brentwood residents are spending time together on the mural project that is taking shape along the Brisebois/40 Ave underpass beneath Crowchild Trail. I am excited to see its progress, and want to thank Lee Hunt, Bonita McCurry, and all the other organizers and contributors to this great initiative. Lee’s article elsewhere in this issue details all the contributions from our community.
Also in this issue, Melanie Swailes from the Development and Transportation Committee reviews what changes we may see around the city and here in Brentwood as a result of the new zoning. As always, it is important for all Calgarians to make their voices heard about changes affecting their neighbourhood.
Finally, a sort of sequel to my message last month asking drivers to be aware of more kids sharing our roads and crosswalks with school back in. When I am out cycling, I will occasionally have drivers stop and wave me across an intersection even though they have the right of way. Similarly, when I am waiting for a break in traffic so I can jaywalk across Northmount or Brisebois, cars will occasionally stop to let me cross. This reflects the generally courteous and kind nature of Calgarians – but please stop doing this! I feel like a real crank to be complaining about kind gestures made by others, but traffic laws work best when everyone follows them, whether pedestrians, cyclists, or cars. Making exceptions out of good will runs the risk of creating expectations and assumptions that traffic will always stop, which might lead to dangerous situations. So, to my fellow cyclists – please abide by the rules of the road yourselves. And to my fellow jaywalkers, be patient and wait for that break in traffic – and if it doesn’t seem to be coming, maybe that’s an indication that you should walk to the nearest crosswalk!
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