Three men were cycling Aug. 14 on eastbound Highway 1A when a vehicle drove past and an unknown person threw live fireworks at them.
The incident took place at about 11 a.m., two to three kilometres east of Grande Valley Road near Cochrane. The fireworks smoked and flamed, causing the riders to stop.
Paul Benoit was the middle rider with two friends cycling single file and said he had to take evasive action to avoid the fireworks.
Traffic was heavy that day and he was forced to turn into the ditch instead of onto the busy highway.
The move fractured Benoit’s left elbow and he suffered cuts and scrapes to his arms and legs.
It took 15 stitches to close his elbow and the Cochrane resident is still trying to make sense of the incident.
“I know there have been confrontations with bikers and motorists,” said Benoit, 60. “There’s always going to be contentious people against bikers… but it’s something that’s there to stay.”
The incident won’t stop him from cycling or running on the popular stretch of Highway 1A.
Benoit said he didn’t have time to react and did not get a glimpse of the vehicle since he was focusing on his ride.
“You’re not noticing the traffic because you’re riding your bike,” he said. “There’s enough obstacles out there while you’re biking.”
Benoit had to ride 12 kilometres back to Ghost Lake to get his car and alert his girlfriend about the incident.
Cochrane RCMP called the incident unusual and reminded cyclists to try and remain aware of their environment.
“Be aware of your surroundings, keep yourself visible using reflective materials and always travel in groups,” said Const. Rob Hawley of the Cochrane RCMP.
Hawley said the area is very popular and cyclists and runners take to the highway routinely.
Benoit said there were many people driving by and he hopes someone can provide information to bring these people to justice.
“It was a prank with intent to injure,” he said.
“It could’ve been a fatality there. Maybe if they saw the outcome of what they caused, it might deter them, but who knows?”
If you witnessed the crime or have information, call the Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000.
