We all love bikes, but unfortunately sometimes they don’t love us back and we find ourselves injured on a ride.

CMBC has been working behind the scenes with Community Services and Emergency Response to try to improve the speed at which people can be rescued off trails.

As a first step, we have met with emergency response to make sure that they have a map that has trail names an access points.  We have also met with the City of Whitehorse to determine where gates should replace rocks as barriers, so that emergency vehicles can get by. You may see gates in some locations that were previously blockaded.

If you are injured, or find someone who is injured, call 911.

We asked the 911 emergency response team what would be the most helpful pieces of information to help in a rescue situation.

Here is the advice we received:

• Refer to trails by official City names – this is what the dispatchers have access to.  Alternatively if you have a GPS, or smart phone with GPS, give your co-ordinates.
• If you are mobile, move yourself towards a double track or roadway, rescue will be much faster.
• Be prepared to wait for rescue. It make take time for emergency services to get to you, particularly if you are very far away from road or double track access.  Always have with you extra clothes, water and food. Think about bringing an emergency blanket or thin foam pad, these will be very useful if you are hurt and having to wait for help.
• The 911 dispatcher will ask you lots of questions. Answer all of them as accurately as possible. Emergency services will start the dispatch as soon as you call, but will use the extra information to guide personnel to your location and make sure they are prepped.
• It’s always best to ride with other people, but if you are alone, make sure someone knows where you are.