Good points Christopher.
One thing I think is that we actually need more data.How many bikes are
on which trails ? I remember the dogs off leash controversy some years
ago and on Mt Misery. Dogs were allowed off leash only on certain
trails .But what happens is people say or think:" My dog is well
behaved" and they leave the animal off leash, The rules are not well
posted nor are they well observed. I think this could be another issue
here.
Colleen Katsuki
ubject:
Re: [LincolnTalk] Bikes on bike paths where they belong?
From:
Christopher Eliot <c...@chriseliot.com>
Date:
7/7/22, 8:56 AM
To:
Lincoln Talk <lincoln@lincolntalk.org>
I have read many articles about Lincoln trail usage and I am not
strongly in favor or against usage by bikes.
However, given the controversy, a “go slow” approach to changing
regulations seems prudent. Some of the issues are just preferences and
will not change over time, but some are fact based and can be researched
in time.
Overall, it seems like the decision should be made on a case by case
basis taking into account the unique characteristics of each trail,
including importance for each possible user group and local
environmental conditions.
I think there are some overall principles that apply to each trail use
decision:
* Safety of all trail users is a priority. This can mean providing a
safe path for bikers to cross busy roads and it can mean doing something
so that elderly walkers are not in fear of bikers.
* Some trails are probably inherently better for some uses than for
other uses. I think there are some terrain features that don’t make good
bike trails; these trails should be kept bike free. Paved rail trails
seem to work well for mixed uses.
* Along some routes bikes can be a practical form of transportation,
especially to schools. Replacing automobile traffic with bicycle usage
has multiple benefits and should be facilitated where possible. Circular
trails are not transportation routes.
* Preservation of nature is a priority. Wild places are easily over-used
and the total amount of usage matters. Choosing one single use is a
possible way to limit total usage of a trail. To be fair, this might
mean designating some trails for exclusive use of each type of user.
There have been published stories illustrating poor behavior among
various types of trail users. The enjoyment of our wonderful shared
resources really depends on common courtesy and mutual respect from all.
Hopefully there are people who can learn from these stories about little
things that make the world better for other people. I don’t think it is
possible for force people to be courteous; it has to come from within.
-Christopher Eliot
124 Bedford Road
--
The LincolnTalk mailing list.
To post, send mail to Lincoln@lincolntalk.org.
Search the archives at http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/.
Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/.
Change your subscription settings at
https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
