Residents of a rural road in Maple Ridge, Canada, are taking action to protect wildlife from traffic and urging drivers to slow down. The community has witnessed numerous instances of wildlife being struck by vehicles, prompting them to create their own traffic signs as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution.
William Petraschuk, a local resident, recently witnessed a deer being hit by a vehicle on 132nd Avenue, adding to a growing list of similar incidents he and his wife Jocelyn Hall have observed over the years. Unfortunately, the deer’s injuries were severe, and it did not survive. Hall has also witnessed bears, coyotes, raccoons, and other animals being hit on the road. In an effort to protect them, she sometimes stands in the street to slow down traffic and allow the animals to cross safely.
However, some drivers disregard Hall’s efforts and fail to reduce their speed. This lack of consideration is not surprising to her, as she has encountered firsthand instances where drivers passed her on the left, putting both her and the animals in danger.
The issue stems from both speeding drivers and the increased traffic volume on the road. On weekends, the road becomes heavily congested as park visitors head to Golden Ears Provincial Park, and during commuting times, Silver Valley residents use the road to get to work.
Longtime resident Sandra Bychyuk has noticed official signs warning drivers about wildlife on the road, in addition to the homemade signs created by residents. Despite facing criticism from impatient drivers, Bychyuk slows down to ensure the safety of the animals.
Barry Lyster, another resident, has described the situation as a Gong Show and out of control. A bear was recently hit by a car on Lyster’s property, highlighting the dangerous risks these animals face when venturing onto the road.
The area where these incidents occur is unique due to its proximity to two salmon spawning rivers, making it a natural habitat for wildlife. The road is also home to farms, hobby farms, and large estate-style properties, making it particularly attractive to the local wildlife.
Although the City of Maple Ridge conducted a study in 2012 that recommended traffic calming measures, such as bumpouts and chicane curves, no action was taken to implement these suggestions. The lack of progress has led to frustration among residents, leading them to form a new group that plans to address the issue with city hall in September.
Mark Halpin, the manager of transportation for Maple Ridge, claims that the city has recently installed new high-visibility wildlife warning signs and has upgraded existing ones. However, no additional traffic calming measures are currently planned.
Halpin argues that 132 Avenue is an important arterial connection for the community, often used by people accessing Golden Ears Park. He believes that upcoming work on the Abernethy corridor will divert traffic away from 132 Avenue, alleviating some of the issues.
The city plans to widen Abernethy Road in the near future and extend it all the way to 256 Street. Additionally, the construction of a bridge across the South Alouette at 240th Street is projected to provide an alternate entrance to Silver Valley and a more direct route to Golden Ears Park.
In the shorter term, the city has notified the RCMP Traffic Division about the concerns raised by residents, requesting that this particular route be prioritized for enforcement action.
Residents are hopeful that with the recent changes in city hall staff and a new council, their long-standing concerns will finally be addressed, leading to the implementation of adequate traffic calming measures. For now, they continue to do what they can to protect the wildlife in their community and urge drivers to slow down and exercise caution while traveling on 132nd Avenue.
