Rail Trail Spotter, Enjoy the Fall Trail

I rode on the rail trail last week, the tree leaves were changing into fall colors.  I saw some beautiful red and pink leaved shrubs.  There were yet more black walnut husks littering the edges of the trail.  Critters were busy preparing for fall; squirrels in particular were collecting nuts.  Geese and ducks still frolicked in the stream that sparkled with sunlight. I saw a great blue heron fly overhead, that was a special moment. It was a perfectly lovely ride for me.

The trail had many people walking, running, and riding bikes.  Most were following the trail rules that are posted at bridges and crossings.  Unfortunately, a few were doing crazy things.  One stood out in particular for me. I was on my bike pedaling along the right side as an older man came running directly at me.  I pointed to the other side of the trail where he belonged and suggested he move over.  There was no one over there.  He shouted that he had to stay where it was so he could see me coming at him! I wonder why he couldn't see me from the right side of the trail where he belongs. Silly man who doesn't think….

If you ever used the trail this year, you surely noticed the signs that went up, warning users to be quiet in this residential area.  It is a bit odd that they deemed these signs necessary.  I am a frequent user of the trail and have never once noticed that people were being loud or disruptive.  Yet, there are no signs warning to stay to the right even though many users are all over the trail  and there are many near misses due to people on the left when they should be to the right.  The user rules are only found in the fine print on the rules signs for the trail.

I wonder why the trail commission doesn't put up a few signs, the same size as the noise signs, saying words to the effect that trail users should stay to the right except to pass.  People don’t seem to take the time to read the trail rules.  But a few simple signs could nudge the clueless into where they should be so everyone is safer.  Eight signs later, problem solved. Celebrate fall, it is not too late to enjoy a contemplative walk on our beautiful trail.