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City brightens barricades

A few weeks ago, a jogger was hit by an ATV in Porter Creek. In response, the city installed a wood-and-concrete barricade across a well-used trail in the neighbourhood. Days later, a teenager riding a dirt bike hit it at high speed.
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A few weeks ago, a jogger was hit by an ATV in Porter Creek.

In response, the city installed a wood-and-concrete barricade across a well-used trail in the neighbourhood.

Days later, a teenager riding a dirt bike hit it at high speed.

Cody Kelpin totalled his bike and sailed through the air, landing roughly 20 feet past the barricade, in the dirt.

The 17-year-old has been riding his dirt bike on these non-motorized trails for years, and didn’t see the new barricade in time to stop.

“It was bad timing for him,” said acting city manager Robert Fendrick.

The barricades were outfitted with reflective markings the next day.

The wooden beams, supported by concrete pilings, were meant to have reflective markings, he said.

It’s just that the city received a complaint, which “prompted it to act speedily and get the barricades up.”

They “should have had reflective tape on them, and do now,” added Fendrick.

The trail already had boulders across it, but kids go over the boulders, he said.

The trail is designated non-motorized and signs identify it as a protected area.

Kelpin’s accident speaks to the bigger ATV issue the Yukon government is currently addressing, said Fendrick.

The city is also reviewing its bylaws, he said. (Genesee Keevil)