spted
new member
Reged: 11/03/04
Posts: 11
|
Jed Smith Bike Trail
12/14/05 06:24 PM (199.103.143.97)
|
|
|
The American River Bike Trail truly is a beautiful ride.
About 11 years ago my daughter, then about 7, was riding with my son and I. She drifted into the oncoming lane just as a gentleman came over the crest of a small hill. They saw each other at the same time--he veered to his left try to miss her, she veered to her right to try to get back into her own lane and they met head on. Unbelievably neither was hurt (body or equipment) and the fellow involved was not upset (he had every right to be perturbed). Where was I? About 20 feet behind calling out to her to stay on her side of the center line.
My experience demonstrates the trail's dangers. You have to always be on the lookout for highly unpredictable behavior. . . sometimes innocent, sometimes foolish, sometimes reckless, sometimes sinister. I don't ride the trail on weekends unless absolutely necessary. And whether weekday or weekend I ride as conditions allow--just as in driving an auto--and just as defensive as when I'm on the streets. The trail certainly fits the "multi-use" label--runners, cyclists, walkers, skaters, dogs, strollers, etc. Some follow proper etiquette, some don't.
If a cyclist has an accident on this trail at 25 mph w/injuries or damage requiring the support of park personnel a park ranger is not going to have grounds for any sympathy for the cyclist since the posted limit is 15 mph (sometimes it feels SOOO slow) any more than a highway patrolman is going to sympathize with an accident caused by reckless driving.
http://www.sacparks.saccounty.net/our-parks/american-river-parkway/docs/Jedediah-Smith.pdf#search='jedediah%20smith%20american%20river%20bike%20trail%20path'
|
|
Previous
Thread Index
Next
Flat
Edit
Reply
Quote
