The other day, early evening, I was riding, with a friend, on the bike-n-hike in Stow. As I passed several other health enthusiasts, running, walking and cycling too, I was annoyed with their lack of trail “courtesy” knowledge.
When we indicated we would be passing on the left, the two cyclists ahead of us continued to ride two-abreast. As we continued, we saw two cyclists heading our way, we began riding single file. Not the others rides, they almost ran us off the trail. Some runners wear their head phones, I am OK with that, but not when they run in the middle of the trail – and can’t hear your signal.
What gives? Are they oblivious to others on the trails? Do they just not care?
What is it going to take to get people to understand trail courtesy? Perhaps more of us, those who are more knowledgeable runners and riders should volunteer to be rangers. Just a thought, after all, we use the trails quite a bit, and this would be a great way to show how much we appreciate the use of the parks.
One thing that may help this situation is the new Trail Safety Awareness Campaign, launched by the Cleveland Metroparks Rangers.
Cleveland Metroparks Rangers Launch All Purpose Trail Safety Awareness Campaign
“Passing on your left” is only one example of a safety rule to use while on the all purpose trails in Cleveland Metroparks.
Shared use of the all purpose trails prompted Cleveland Metroparks to partner with Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CNVP) to inform and educate users on the Towpath Trails during the “Safe is Sound” summer campaign.
The “Safe is Sound” campaign highlights public attention for the need for cyclists to give an audible signal when passing. Now, through Saturday, September 4, park visitors will see safety stops along the Towpath Trail in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, helping visitors to be safe with personal coaching tips.
Gregory M. Loftus, Ranger Chief, explains, “Cleveland Metroparks Rangers and volunteers look forward to this opportunity to inform and educate park visitors on trail safety.”
The following messages are being encouraged for users of all ages while hiking, walking or cycling on the Towpath Trail and any all purpose trail in the Park District: Wear a Helmet, Be Bright, Stay on the Right, Take Breaks to the Side of the Trail, Slow Down, Single File, and Do Not Block the Trail. For a list of the stops scheduled in Cleveland Metroparks visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com, then click on ‘about us,’ ‘rangers,’ and ‘latest news.’
Enjoy the trails safely and soundly in ClevelandMetroparks – part of your life, naturally!
Advertisement
