I’ve been keenly watching the Valley Trial saga unfold in these pages over the last few weeks: electric bikes, speedsters, dogs off leash and so on. I’m a regular commuter on the trail with my old road bike that can go at a damn good clip. It’s transportation, and gets me to the village from the west side of Alta Lake faster than my car (by the way, kudos to Whistler Transit for announcing that they plan to one day bring transit back to Alta Lake Road after 11 years of zero service).
The Valley Trail is also a transportation route. And while bicyclists speeding recklessly can be a problem (electric or muscle-powered), the issue is not all about speed. My biggest close calls have been with pedestrians walking five abreast across the trail, completely unaware that they’re walking on a transportation corridor. My $10 bell works wonders to clear the way, and my brakes are in good shape for when it doesn’t, but blocking the entire trail is a problem.
There has been much talk about keeping dogs on leashes, too. My closest calls with dogs on the Valley Trail have been with those on leash—human on one side of the trail, dog on leash on the other side.
I think what we need to keep the Valley Trail amenable to commuters, recreationalists and tourist wanderers is some simple educational signs. “This is a commuter trail, please keep to the right,” or “Enjoy your stroll, but please keep to the right. Bikers en route to work!”
My point being: don’t demonize the speeders. Educate everyone about the multi- use aspect of the Valley Trail. It’s one of the best things going in this town, and to get so many people out of their cars and onto their bikes (electric or not) is a great thing.
