Trail courtesy

I regularly use the trails off High Drive that run through Hangman and High Drive parks. These trails are used simultaneously by bikers, hikers, runners and walkers. Most are courteous and respectful of other people.

There are, however, those few bad apples whose behavior is inconsistent with the spirit of cooperation shared by most and it is to them that this letter is directed. A few runners fall into this category, but mostly it’s mountain bikers. They seem to think that because they are on a bike and moving more rapidly than other users they have the right of way.

I do occasionally encounter a mountain biker who is prepared to yield, but they are in the minority. I generally yield to everyone because I choose to. If you are a trail user and you encounter a middle-aged man with one hand it is probably me. If I step out of the way so that you can pass it is out of my own largess and commitment to following the social contract.

Please don’t make the mistake of believing that your speed, bike, backwards cap or sunglasses make you appear intimidating to me. They do not. Were I of a mind to do so I would easily give you remedial instruction in good citizenship emphasizing key points with my walking stick. If the remedial training didn’t take, the next time you could easily find yourself and your bike in a crumpled heap at the bottom of the hill.

John Henry Gaines

Spokane