Trail Talk – June 2024

PERHAPS IT’S NOT SO COMMON, or at times it appears to be absent altogether. And yet, we’d expect adults to be mindful of others. So how is it that in the quiet halls of our surrounding forests, we are wise to watch for those without integrity to follow a few guidelines that demonstrate our consideration of others?

Recently, we heard from a frustrated down-hill mountain biker that hikers were using a designated “bikes-only” trail in Forest Park. We agree that the hikers in question are foolish to be on a one-way steep downhill bike trail in the first place. We agree that the hikers were discourteous to the standard of “fair play.” We agree that there was real potential for devastating injuries in the event of a collision. Shame on the hikers for being there. As a result, courtesy signs are being placed at each end of mountain bike trails to educate hikers.

But let’s remember that Forest Park is not the Wild West; we have no use for gunslingers of any sort. It is, first and foremost, a city park, subject to the ordinances that the Jacksonville City Council has put into place to ensure this “fair play.” Because pedestrian traffic has the right of way on trails, any accident would hold the bicyclist in violation. And due to this situation, the City Council has enacted a 10-mph speed limit in all city parks where bicycle traffic is allowed. Any bike rider on any trail must be aware that hikers could be there, even if it’s stated, “bike only.”

It’s a privilege to have a city park that allows bicycle use on trails. There are a few cities that do. Others don’t. Lithia Park in Ashland? Off limits to bicycles. Portland’s Forest Park? Only on some roads and Fire Lanes. Jacksonville’s Forest Park? Certainly, bikes are allowed (though E-bikes are not to be used on trails when the throttle is engaged). In fact, over 30 miles of trail are open to bicycles, some exclusive for bicycles. But with that privilege comes responsibility. Be aware of all city ordinances and be aware of any trails’ designations.

And please, don’t rely on open-source map applications, like TrailForks and AllTrails, for accurate information regarding trails in the park. Some trails have been improperly uploaded. For an accurate map, use the Avenza application, which is the official city-created and updated map. This advice is pertinent for hikers as well. Property lines are clearly marked so users will know if they’ve strayed onto private (including MRA) land or are on public BLM holdings. A surprising number of bike riders don’t know that Granite Trail originates on MRA property, it being a well-used motorcycle and trail running route from at least the 1970s.

Enough of that. Did we tell you that we came face to face with a saw whet owl on Owl Hoot Trail, of all places? Get out and enjoy the season, going there, making tracks…