Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Mandatory BC Bear bell law causing uproar on local mountains

With last falls increases in bear sightings and cougar attacks BC's environment minister Barry Penner, in a move for harm reduction to both bears, cougars, and users of the mountians of BC, will be required by law to carry with them bells to reduce any possible confrontations.

Many riders in BC already use the bells and to some degree it makes sense but does the minister seriously think that we'll have to use it at places like Whistler and Silverstar. There is already discussion of having a park ranger on duty in the lift lines ensuring everyone is in compliance.

I was already talking to Greg at Straitline who was watching this come down the pipe. They have already been prototyping a system to warn bears. Its still a bell but with their own spin.

Greg sent me this press release

“Straitline Components and Ryan Berrecloth to Release Bear Systems TM”

Straitline Components of British Columbia Canada have teamed up North Shore Local Ryan Berrecloth to launch new safety measures for the infamous North Shore and Whistler regions of BC.

Controversy has been stirring over new safety measure for all mountain bikers as mandatory bear laws come into effect as early as this month, banning all lift and trail access to those not compliant.

Straitline Components has just released a promo video to educate people on the product and new Law that will be in effect all across BC.

Straitline Bear Bell Technology from Eric Peterson on Vimeo


“For in-depth information on this new law read up on it here. “
http://straitline.blogspot.com/2009/03/controversial-bear-law-long-over-due.html