Did You Forget Something...?

kc dyer
May 12
2 min read

Hikers leave car engines running twice in one week

In two separate incidents last week, hikers inadvertently left the ignition running in their cars before heading out to hike the Tunnel Bluffs trail.

The first incident occurred last Monday when hikers, who had borrowed the vehicle from a local car-share company, left the car running with the radio on, one window rolled down and the doors unlocked.

On their site, EVO says that cars left unsecured are subject to a $100 fine.

In the second incident, which took place the following day and about 100 metres further along Mountain Drive, a Nissan Rogue, this time safely locked, was also left running for the duration of the four-hour hike.

Both vehicles had push-button starts.

For years, experts have warned that drivers are more likely to inadvertently leave keyless vehicles running than those with keys. In 2018, the New York Times published a report on the number of carbon monoxide (CO) deaths resulting from keyless vehicles being left on inside garages. While the risk of CO poisoning is less in the great outdoors, an idling vehicle is not good for the environment and is unsafe in fire season.

Lions Bay Bylaw Officer Taj Bindra reminds residents that entering a vehicle, even to turn off a running engine, is considered tresspass. "We do have an anti-idling bylaw, so please call us," he says.

Bylaw officers can be reached at (604) 834-3404 or by email at bylaw@lionsbay.ca