Chilly Willy wrote:
jimh wrote:
and that means it becomes a shared path
Since, as you said, they don't plow the pedestrian portion, the pedestrians end up on the bike path. Making footing a concern.
I'm not sure if we're agreeing or disagreeing. My complaint is that the Park Board quietly, without discussion, turns the bike paths into pedestrian paths in the winter - first by not plowing the pedestrian paths, then by dumping sand. IMHO it's not a "MUP" once it's been sanded and I can no longer use it - it's just a walking path.
If you agree that his use of the trails is proper, then yes, maybe you support the sand too. My position is that both trails should be maintained in the winter. Note that walkers already have a winter resource which cyclists don't - it's called "sidewalks". And if you're concerned about people with disabilities, and safety - should they really be sharing a rough, slushy, slippery path with bikes?
Another aspect of this issue is that the Park Board shouldn't be using sand at all, and they know it, because it's environmentally damaging. It gradually fills in lakes waterways, and the storm sewers, which is why some cities are already completely banning its use.
