Be courteous on the Bluff

Recently, I enjoyed a group hike on the Bluff, led by Jack Nisbet, author, botanist, historian, teacher of flora and fauna. Our group was stopped on this South Hill trail, listening to and absorbing the educational information he had to offer. At some point, a mountain biker came riding through the group, unannounced and startled many of us.

On April 24, I invited a friend to join me on the same trail, excited to share the area with someone who had never been there. On a very narrow portion of the trail, with nowhere to step off, I turned back to see a mountain bike coming at us full speed. I paused, thinking he would slow down, but he just kept coming. I finally screamed for him to slow down, but he kept his pace and slammed on his brakes, about one foot from my shoe. This was a deliberate attempt to intimidate us. He was smiling.

About 10 minutes later, we encountered a runner. When I asked about the mountain biker, he held up both hands, revealing dirt and superficial road rash. He also had nowhere to go, so landed, with his hands, against the slope.

The Bluff is a gift to be enjoyed, whether hiking or biking. We all need to share the trails and should never fear being injured by another user. Please be cautious and courteous. Slow down and give walkers a moment to move away. They do have the right of way.

Kathleen Mogan

Spokane