The Latest News from the Trails

It’s Time to Address Bike Path Safety

“It is time for a speed limit on paved bike paths in our town.”

Check out the full article in Moonshine Ink.

In conversations with Truckee Trails supporters, a common topic is the safe use of paved paths like the Legacy Trail. Most folks understand that these paved routes that connect Truckee’s neighborhoods to downtown, like the Trout Creek Trail, Legacy Trail, and others have become very popular. As a result, there are many more people using the trails, and a wide range of trail users including walkers, hikers, bikers, e-bikers, etc. This has created friction or “conflict” on the trail including, for example, some cyclists/e-bikers riding too fast, dogs off leash and uncontrolled, and groups of walkers blocking the path.

At Truckee Trails we believe that there are practical solutions for these issues, and with that in mind, I shared our recommendations via an Op-Ed in Moonshine Ink, including the following:

• A bike/e-bike speed limit
• Enforcement of helmet requirements for youth riding bikes or e-bikes
• A painted centerline to reinforce the walk right, pass left norm
• Education in schools, bike rodeos, via our own Trail Ambassadors, and other venues
• On-trail messaging to guide and reinforce appropriate trail behavior

These basic regulatory and educational steps will help ensure a safe experience for all trail users. You can read the full article here.

Update: In a positive step for trail safety, today, the Town Council approved a 15 mph speed limit on paved trails noting the supporting comments from Truckee Trails (from myself and Truckee Trails board member Paco Lindsay). Additionally, the Truckee police department will have enforcement officers on the trail educating users on these best practices and citing egregious rule-breaking with a fine of $100 for the first violation. Read the full article in today’s Sierra Sun.