For the fifth summer, the Whistler Valley Trail Patrol will join forces with cyclists and in-line skaters to bring some order to the trail during weekends and holidays. This year’s program will be operating in a new format. Simon Hudson, who originally founded Trail Patrol in Whistler and created a summer job for himself based on something similar he had seen while in Las Vegas, has come up with a new idea. Pairing youth with adults and making Trail Patrol a summer work experience program. The youth will be paired with adults for two weeks of training at the end of June, to begin patrolling the July long weekend. "Last year there wasn’t much support or a big presence among people to get interested in patrol," says Hudson, currently a youth programmer at Whistler Secondary. "I picked it up again because nobody else was and I wanted to get youth involved in trail patrol. "We try to encourage people to slow down, to put their dogs on leashes, we help with minor bicycle and in-line skating servicing, and give first aid to minor injuries." A strong foundation was laid in 1995 for maintaining and developing the Trail Patrol program, the first program of its kind in Canada. The ultimate goal was to make the Valley Trail a safer experience for its users. Thus far, a "Share the Trail-Code of Conduct" has been established (Be Smart, Be Alert, Be Legal, Be Courteous), as well as a liaison with local retailers and the Sports Injury Prevention Centre. Last year there were three people on patrol, this summer there will be 16 patrollers. Shifts will take place on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
