This letter was sent to Whistler’s mayor and council, and shared with Pique.
I am writing to express significant concerns about pedestrian safety in Whistler Village following a troubling experience during my family’s visit this past weekend. My partner, daughter, our dogs and I intended to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village, engaging in shopping and dining. However, our experience was marred by repeated safety hazards caused by mountain bikers riding through crowded pedestrian areas.
Over the course of approximately 90 minutes, we narrowly avoided collisions with cyclists on two separate occasions, with three bikers nearly striking my daughter and me. Despite clear signage instructing cyclists to dismount in the village, these rules were consistently disregarded. The lack of enforcement or reinforcement of these regulations created an unsafe and unwelcoming environment for pedestrians, significantly detracting from our visit.
As a family that values Whistler’s charm and vibrancy, we are deeply disappointed by this experience. The absence of effective bylaws or enforcement measures to ensure pedestrian safety undermines the village’s appeal as a family-friendly destination. Unless meaningful steps are taken to address this issue—such as increased enforcement, enhanced signage, or dedicated cyclist pathways—we will regrettably be unable to return to Whistler in the foreseeable future.
I also feel compelled to share this experience through social media to publicly raise awareness among other potential visitors.
I urge the municipal council and the Whistler Chamber to collaborate on immediate solutions to prioritize pedestrian safety and preserve Whistler’s reputation as a premier destination.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
