Since we received a letter regarding a dog that was hit by a cyclist at the Jim Uffelman Memorial Dog Park along the Bow River it has been all out war between user groups. This cage match battle has three factions – dog owners, cyclists and everyone else – wringing their knuckles for a showdown that will settle once and for all who holds claim to these valuable lands. Is it the cyclists with their flashy spandex and tiny bells? What about the dog owners and their multitude of beast companions of all shapes, sizes and temperaments? Or is it those who are just out for a stroll armed with the latest in hikers and walking poles? Fortunately, the answer has been in front of us this whole time. Within the park, in big bold letters, is a sign that states multi-use area. If we dissect the word, it clearly means it is for everyone and this shouldn't come as a surprise because even without a sign the world is in general multi-use. Every day we all share space with people with a limitless number of interests, hobbies, lifestyles and special interests. Judging by the unbelievable sense of entitlement in the comments by those who believe they have sole right to certain spaces, it might come as a shock to know everyone has equal right to enjoy public space. The trick is we have to share. It's an age-old skill that parents used to teach their children from the moment they smacked their sibling to steal their whatsit. We also have to be respectful of those around us. Ride safely, ensure your dogs are not pestering other people and don't get all up in arms if a puppy sniffs your shoe. Either those lessons have been lost or they are no longer taught, but all too often people believe their interests should be paramount. People fight for segregation (after generations of fighting for inclusion) or to limit the rights of others in a misguided belief that other people's rights somehow diminish their own. Cochrane is a community and as such the people here should work to get along and where they can't accept the fact that it is not always possible for things to go the way they want. We are living in an increasing populist world where people seem to shun the things that are not similiar to them. These types of attitudes destroy communities and degrade public safety. All people are different and that is a good thing. It is time to work harder at getting along because it is sad to see so many working so hard to tear others down. Unfortunately, this issue has been blown out of proportion when it should have focused on one thing: holding one irresponsible, inconsiderate and dangerous cyclist accountable for a cowardly hit and run.
