In a devastating incident that has shocked the quiet neighborhood of Dalhousie in northwest Calgary, an elderly woman has died after being struck by a young cyclist in what authorities are describing as a tragic accident. The collision, which occurred last Thursday afternoon near Dalhousie Drive and 53rd Street N.W., has left community members grappling with questions about pedestrian safety and the sharing of public pathways.
According to the Calgary Police Service, the 83-year-old woman was walking along a designated multi-use pathway when she was hit by a bicycle ridden by a 14-year-old boy. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, where paramedics found the woman with severe injuries. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the location.
“This is an absolutely heartbreaking situation for everyone involved,” said Inspector Keith Gardner of the Calgary Police Traffic Division. “Our investigation indicates this was a genuine accident with devastating consequences for both the victim’s family and the young person involved.”
The Calgary Police traffic reconstruction unit has been meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding the collision. Preliminary findings suggest neither excessive speed nor reckless behavior played a role, but rather a momentary lapse in attention with catastrophic results.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about shared pathway protocols across the city. Calgary’s network of multi-use pathways spans over 1,000 kilometers, accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users. The City of Calgary has previously implemented pathway courtesy guidelines, including recommendations for cyclists to use bells, maintain reasonable speeds, and exercise caution when passing pedestrians.
Community advocate Martha Ellison from the Calgary Active Transportation Coalition emphasized the rarity of such incidents while acknowledging their gravity. “What makes this situation so devastating is that these pathways are designed to be safe spaces for everyone. When tragedies like this occur, we need to carefully examine what additional measures might be necessary without rushing to judgment.”
Local residents have begun creating a memorial at the site, leaving flowers and messages of condolence. The woman, whose identity has not been released pending notification of all family members, was described by neighbors as a beloved community figure who regularly enjoyed walks through the area.
The young cyclist, who remained at the scene and has been cooperating fully with authorities, has not been charged. Police have indicated that counseling services have been offered to help him process the traumatic event.
“We’re seeing two victims here,” noted Dr. Rebecca Tannenbaum, a trauma psychologist consulted by CO24 News. “The deceased and her grieving family, certainly, but also this young person who will carry this unintended consequence with them for the rest of their life.”
City officials have announced they will conduct a comprehensive safety review of the pathway where the incident occurred, examining factors including visibility, signage, and potential design improvements. The review is expected to be completed within 60 days.
As Calgary continues to promote active transportation options, this incident raises difficult questions about how we balance the promotion of cycling and walking with ensuring the safety of all pathway users. What additional measures might help prevent such rare but devastating accidents in the future, while still maintaining the accessibility and appeal of our shared public spaces?
