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It is the second time in as many months that a cyclist has plunged into the canal in that area. In April, a 20-year-old man suffered serious head injuries when he fell into the canal near the Heron Road Bridge. The canal was still drained from winter at the time and the man, who was not wearing a helmet, landed on rocks and ice.

In the days after that, the Citizen was contacted by several others who said they or someone they knew had fallen into the canal along the same section of pathway. Many called on the National Capital Commission to erect a barrier to prevent similar incidents.

The NCC said in a statement Tuesday’s accident was an “unfortunate situation” and safety on the pathway is a priority.

“We understand that all users of the Capital Pathway Network expect an enjoyable and safe experience, and this is why we are following-up to gather all the details pertaining to this incident,” the NCC said in a statement.

Capital Ward Coun. David Chernushenko said he bikes that section of path regularly and that while he didn’t want to speculate on the circumstances around Tuesday’s incident, he said he has never had any issues controlling his bike there. But with the number of reported incidents rising, it’s time for the city and the NCC to discuss safety issues and what can be done about it, he said.

“I can’t picture how someone would have problems there, but clearly they do,” Chernushenko said. “Certainly now that this isn’t an ice incident from spring thaw freezing, but one in summer, I think the city ought to do a site visit with the NCC. We could have our traffic cycling people along with someone from the NCC and look at what might be done.”

Chernushenko said he would hate to see a high railing installed in the area and said perhaps a warning to cyclists or a re-alignment of the pathway might be in order.

After the incident in April, the NCC said it would launch an investigation into potential safety concerns in the area including whether a higher railing was needed.

With files from Meghan Hurley

mhurley@ottawacitizen.com

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The National Capital Commission provided comment to the Citizen for this story Tuesday. An earlier version of the story contained incorrect information.