Cathi Veneziale
Doylestown
On Father’s Day, my husband wanted to take a family bike ride, something we do from time to time. The day was going well. We just got back on the canal path after taking some pictures of the boys (Luca, 6, and Dominic, 10) on the dam.
Back on our bikes heading toward Washington’s Crossing, we decided to turn around and go the other way since the scenery is much better. I was stopped, way ahead of my husband and boys, waiting for their arrival when my youngest lost control and went into what appeared to be a bush — but in reality was overgrown grass and thorn bushes that dropped off over the cliff.
There was my son 15-20 feet down among trees, rocks and bushes, screaming. There was no access that we could safely find to get to him so my husband took off on a bike to find somewhere to get down.
In the meantime, strangers gathered offering whatever assistance they could, calling 911 and calming my older son. Then suddenly two women who were riding along the path stopped and, low and behold, managed to make their way down to my son and rescued him. Back in my arms and after a thorough check, it appeared his injuries were minor. After going to the hospital and having him checked out, the final conclusion was a mild concussion, abrasions and contusions.
The police and medics all said it was a miracle. And thanks for sticking to my guns and making my children wear helmets, my son is alive and well today. The helmet took a beating, but otherwise it would have been a whole different scenario.
After this incident, I learned that this is not the first time something like this has happened along the canal path and my concern — or should I say question — is” Why hasn’t anyone done something about it?
OK, so guard rails may be a bit costly, but what about the orange fencing that can be woven through rubber poles or, at least, something in those areas that are dangerous. Bicycling along the canal path is a popular activity and measures should be taken to keep people safe. It easily could have been me steering over to get out of other cyclist’s way.
I would like it to express my sincerest gratitude to those strangers who helped me and my family that day as well as the EMS of Lambertville and West Amwell Township.
And I would like to stress this: Parents — make your children wear helmets. A helmet saved my son’s life!

