«t ./ C INIOI Improve cycling safety 2 As we gave thanks this past weekend for all our good wl c fortune, and we shared that abundance with our famâ€" __ ily, friends and, often, with those in need, we should 6 similarly share when we use the roads in our commuâ€" 2 nity and beyond. S Whether at the wheel of a working transport vehicle, a | © SUV, economy runabout or something in between, on | S our trusted twoâ€"wheel bicycle or on foot, we should 2 make every journey armed with the knowledge we‘ll : all return safely if we share our roads. Sure, some of them could have a few less potholes or | bumps, but we are very fortunate, despite ongoing rush hour gridlock to have a road system that is poâ€" | liced, in good condition, extensive and regulated with | signs and traffic lights. While many areas of the globe feature road systems | that are a freeâ€"forâ€"all and others clogged like nothing you‘ve seen before, we are lucky to have what we have | and we should share it properly to safeguard human lives. In the last year or so, an Oakville man lost his life while cycling on Tremaine Road in Milton. Most recently, an Oakville man died while out cycling on Lakeshore Road near Third Line. The tragic loss of a life that need | not have occurred sparked concern among many across the region. This month, the federal government has announced a national task force to look at the very issue that was concerning to residents: cycling safety. Area politicians are applauding the initiative. They are familiar with the concerns and are pleased to see local issues of concern take the spotlight at the federal level. The Trudeau government‘s Minister of Transportation Marc Garneau has announced he will work with the provinces and territories to create the task force, which will focus on increased safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians on the nation‘s busy roads. The minister said the task force would consider everyâ€" thing from cameras to side guards on large trucks, and dedicated bike lanes to electronic measures, to preâ€" vent collisions and reduce injuries and deaths. Last week, NDP MP Gord Johns introduced a private member‘s bill in the House of Commns calling for a national cycling strategy. We echo these calls for improved cycling safety. We also recognize the basis to imptoving safety is everyone â€" governments (municipal, provincial and federal), cyclists and drivers â€" working together. On every journey, no matter the means of transport, we must all know, respect and folloW the rules of the road. If we don‘t, someone is going to get hurt. N CANADIAN CHAMPION | Thursday, October 13, 2016 | 6 | needed to check | of the shop‘s enâ€" | ing â€" redesigned OH, HELLO: Champion reader Ernio Di Pede snapped this photo of a chipmunk near Mill Pond recently. Do you have a inique, interesting, fun or cute photo taken in Milton that you would like to submit to be consilered for Snapshot? Send submissions (minimum 600 KB resolution) to editor@miltoncanadiarchampion.com or use the hashtag #MiltonChampion on Instagram. Please include the name of the photographer (for publication) and a description of the photo including the location where it was taken. My View Christmastime already? Earlier this month, I set foot in a big box store and immediately reached for my cellphone. Why? I the date. The display loâ€" cated at the right trance was beâ€" Catherine O‘Hara Managing Editor to accommodate | seasonal décor. And by seasonal, I mean Christmas. Yes, Christmas decorations, including coâ€" It was October 5. And on this date, one exâ€" pects to see Halloween decorations and fall planters â€" not Santa Claus figurines and inflatable snowmen. Don‘t get me wrong, I love Christmas just as much as the next person. It‘s a magiâ€" cal time of year that | look forward to and | enjoy celebrating. However, | can‘t wrap my head around the holidays this early in | the year. | October is a little premature to be singing | carols and hanging ornaments from an artificial tree, wouldn‘t you agree? I mean, | | there are still a few big events to mark, lourful ornaments of varying shapes and | sizes as well as garlands and tree skirts, filled the racks and shelves of this Milton store. I couldn‘t believe my eyes. including Halloween and Remembrance Day, before we should even begin thinkâ€" ing about Rudolph and Dasher. I get that retailers want to cash in on the Christmas hype, but October is simply too early. Next thing you know, we‘ll be celâ€" ebrating Christmas in July. 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The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline. @CCAB ccasB Audited OPC Ontario Press Council h.4 Defending principles o imspire public tru Recognized for excellence by Ocna Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community @A Newspapers Association Suburban Newspapers m of America The Canadian Champion is a proud media sponsor for: t _ it Tind Halton Healthcare 6 ® Y +k 5 Jingle Bell Fund AGON n PARADE “ï¬;_( C mr“ sA:II:tgx:us ï¬ Â«# whe CANADA DAY 9 m G way ‘...- YM(.;LA.. of miron P .ds g fl 44 \@/ The Oakville. Milton Gala Awards e Ey