Obstacles on Centennial Trail

I am a member of the public who regularly enjoys the Centennial Trail. I am writing to express my frustration that organizers of the Dirty Dash race on Aug. 20 were not required to post that car traffic from their event would occupy the trail. That area of trail is designated as Class 1, meaning separate from roadways and no car traffic.

Trail users had no warning. We encountered cars in a section of the trail with hills, sharp turns, low visibility and no space to share the trail. These were not event staff vehicles. I was passed by at least 20 cars and saw many more lined up in the parking area where they were entering the Centennial Trail.

I’m disappointed that cars were allowed on Class 1 trails at all, but at least if the event did make arrangements for its numerous participants to drive through this area, couldn’t they have posted notices to alert other trail users?

In the future, could the city or state parks officials who oversee these events please ensure that the effort is taken to post notices when car traffic will be on Class 1 trails, for the safety of everyone?

Sarah Peterson

Spokane