Crowds on new Robinson's Island trails create safety concerns

Parks Canada officials on P.E.I. say the new walking and cycling trails at Robinson's Island are proving more popular than they expected and it's raising a few safety concerns.

The Thanksgiving weekend drew huge crowds to the new trails in the P.E.I. National Park. 

While Parks Canada officials are pleased so many people are enjoying the trails, there have been some concerns raised about cyclists going too fast, forcing walkers to move quickly out of the way.

More public education on trail etiquette could help the situation, according to Greg Shaw, Parks Canada project manager.

"But it was designed as a multi-use trail to be enjoyed by both hikers and cyclists and we are aware that there are some concerns with some interaction between those two groups," said Shaw.

"But we did put a sign up and we're urging all the trail users to follow better trail etiquette. You know, keep a reasonable and controlled speed as they are going through. If a biker is coming up behind a hiker, just announce 'on your left' before they pass."

Shaw said additional trail etiquette signs are being developed with the help of the International Mountain Bike Association.

He expects those will be in place before cycling and hiking season next year.