by Sonia Q. and Sandy R-B., Hanson Ranch Directors, HVCA
Spring Safety Reminder for Hanson Ranch
Spring has arrived, and as everyone eagerly gets out to enjoy the warmer weather, we’d like to take a moment to remind our community about traffic safety in Hanson Ranch. With more children and adults out walking, cycling, and visiting our playgrounds and pathways, it’s important for all of us to stay alert and mindful of one another.
To help promote safer driving, we’ve requested SLOWS (Speed Limit Observation and Warning System) trailers at four key locations in Hanson Ranch on Hidden Creek Drive, Hidden Creek Way, and both north and south of the traffic circle on Hidden Creek Blvd. These temporary radar-equipped trailers display the speed of oncoming vehicles, reminding motorists that the speed limit throughout Hanson Ranch is 40 km/h. While we’re still waiting for confirmation on these requests, we want to encourage everyone to slow down, obey the speed limit, and set a good example by acting as a “pace car” when driving through our neighbourhood.
A Quick Reminder About Traffic Circle Etiquette
Since the installation of the now-permanent traffic circle at Hidden Creek Way, Hidden Creek Blvd, and Hidden Creek Heights, there’s been some ongoing confusion about right-of-way rules. When it was first installed, signs instructed drivers to “yield to the vehicle on the left,” which led many to believe that when two vehicles approach the circle at the same time, the vehicle on the left has the right-of-way. However, that’s not quite accurate.
Here’s how it works:
• Yield to vehicles already in the traffic circle — they’re approaching from the left as they circulate. Thus, you are yielding to the vehicle on the left.
• Slow down when approaching the circle and yield to both pedestrians and other vehicles as needed.
• First come, first served — if it’s safe to enter and no one is in the circle, the first vehicle to arrive goes first.
• If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
For a full refresher on intersections, traffic circles, and roundabouts, check out pages 59 to 63 of the Alberta Driver’s Guide: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/drivers-guide.
Save the Dates!
A friendly reminder that the HVCA Annual General Meeting is coming up on June 21, followed by our Neighbour Day festivities. Stay tuned for updates on Facebook and signage throughout the community. We’d love to see you there to celebrate what’s ahead and learn about all the great things happening in Hidden Valley!
On June 22, the HVCA will be hosting a City of Calgary Community Cleanup event where residents can dispose of items that do not fit in their waste and recycling carts. Check for updates and information on Facebook and the HVCA newsletter!
Click here to the Hanson Ranch Community News home page for the latest Hanson Ranch community updates.
Click here to the Hidden Valley Community News home page for the latest Hidden Valley community updates.