Local Rail-Trail a Source of Pride

I love to hear/read about people and communities that are enthusiastic about their local rail trails; they should be. I don't think a lot of people realize all the benefits that major trails bring to their communities. For a reasonably low price, trails bring tourists, economic benefits, health benefits, added transportation options, decreased air pollution, job opportunities, community togetherness, recreational opportunities, and the aforementioned civic pride.

spur trail that connects to the Coal Creek Trail

I just discovered a blog called pedalparadise that details the great biking opportunities in Northampton, MA. One particular post on the site describes how the trail of Northampton (not to be confused w/ the Bridges of Madison County) helped lure a cyclocross racer into moving to the area.

I can relate. The cycling atmosphere, in general, helped lure me to the town where I live; then a great regional trail specifically convinced me to move to my present neighborhood. Looking out my back window and seeing people enjoying the trail on a daily basis bring immeasurable contentment.

Of course, I'm probably preaching to the choir on this particular venue. Now we just need to convince the rest of the world that trails make a difference and return much more than they cost.

Local Rail-Trail a Source of Pride

Should electric bikes be allowed on trails?

The Rio Grande Trail near Aspen, Colorado has recently banned electric bikes and Segways.

Segway on Glenwood Canyon Trail

It's a sticky issue. For some people such as the elderly and disabled, electric bikes may be just the incentive to get them out exploring our wonderful U.S. trails. If used properly, electric bikes still allow the rider to get exercise while providing assistance on hills or for that last stretch when they don't quite have the energy to finish a ride under their own pedal power.

On the other hand, allowing electric bikes on trails could also create problems that would be hard for law enforcement officers. Which types should be allowed in which areas for how long? Sometimes it's just easier to say, no motorized vehicles, period; and leave it at that.

Personally, I'd like to see different rules on different trails, just like we currently have for equestrians, cyclists, hikers, and inline skaters. I've enjoyed riding a Segway on the Glenwood Canyon Trail and I've ridden a motorized bicycle on the Coal Creek Trail. But mostly, I prefer to ride my bike or hike on trails. I'm a big fan of peace, quiet, and a slower pace on the trails.

This sounds like a new topic for the reader's survey in the left hand column of this blog.As soon as we're done with the fall colors survey, you'll get a chance to let me know what you think? Should electric bikes and Segways be allowed on our trails? (If you can't wait for the survey, feel free to hit the comment button below and leave your comment about this topic.)

Should electric bikes be allowed on trails?

Coal Creek Trail in Louisville, Colorado

Colorado's Coal Creek Trail is near and dear to my heart. Why just yesterday I used it to walk into "old town" to get a cup of coffee. It was an unusually busy day on the trail because parts of it were used for a 5K & half-marathon running race. It was perfect weather for a foot-race but even better weather for a short hike into town.

Coal Creek Trail runs through the communities of Superior, Louisville, & Lafayette, CO. The trail is 6.2 miles long and, as its name implies, it follows Coal Creek. It is appropriate for hiking, running, bike-riding, and dog-walking. It is truly a multi-use path with a mix of sun and shade.

It passes through a historic homestead in old town Superior, CO. In old town Louisville, CO it provides easy access to a dog park where canines can enjoy off leash frolicking. In Lafayette, the trail winds along the creek and ends near the border of Lafayette & Erie, CO. Eventually the trail will continue into Erie and will tie into the Rock Creek Trail to provide a lengthy circular path.

For other biking and hiking trails in Colorado and the U.S., visit trailsnet.com.

Coal Creek Trail in Louisville, Colorado

Trail flooded

I'm so used to signs on Coal Creek Trail saying, "Trail Closed," that I usually just ignore them because the trail is just fine and not the least bit "closed."

But today, the trail really was closed due to flooding in the underpass where the trail & Coal Creek go under Hwy. 42.

I'm glad I was walking rather than riding my bike.

The picture on the right isn't very good (taken on my iPhone) but it shows that the water level in the creek and on the trail are about the same.

Trail flooded