I’m writing to express concern about the summertime “descent of humanity” that has hit the area near Quinn’s Pond, and Esther Simplot Park the past several years, and the resulting deterioration of Greenbelt transportation access.
The best word to describe it is ANARCHY.
There are herds of pedestrians who are meandering, bovine-like, IN THE TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS, as if they were the only people on the planet. There are people swinging paddleboards, paddles, etc. around like ninja-sticks, seemingly oblivious to other people on the pathways. There are people who park their bikes, or flip them upside-down to do some mechanical work, right in the pathway.
I s’pose there are folks who arrive in their cars, and perhaps are unaware that for 12 months of the year (unless interrupted by occasional flooding) the Greenbelt is a transportation corridor for some of their fellow citizens.
Today (for example), I ventured thru. (It’s nice that the closed stretches of Greenbelt are starting to open again!) In the concrete “roundabout” circle adjacent to the little surfer-wave dam, two gals were laying on the concrete, working on their tans, as other pathway users milled all about them.
I was headed toward town, zig-zagging between the pedestrians and stander-arounders who don’t understand the concept of a transportation corridor or the “keep right” markings. As I rode along, next to Quinn’s pond, there were a couple teenage kids directly in front of me, who were dodging back and forth like kickoff return specialists. Puzzling. Suddenly, one of them hollered “Look out!” – apparently for my benefit – and a football came crashing down directly in my path (!!), not 3 feet in front of me. Surely there are better places for a football game, than on the Greenbelt!
I’ve voiced my concerns in the past… and I believe a couple of small signs have been put up, that say “Don’t block pathway,” or something like that. Obviously the response is inadequate, because the problems persist… and get dangerous (in my opinion) on the really hot, crowded summer days.
So – what can be done?
Increased bike-cop patrols, and an education/enforcement campaign, might be somewhat effective. But that solution seems pretty labor-intensive.
I’d suggest maybe painting the corridor (“Greenbelt” pathway) a solid bright color – yellow? – with big black letters, “TWO WAY TRAFFIC – PLEASE KEEP MOVING” or something to that effect. (And occasional enforcement, to keep people honest. I try to have faith in humanity… surely most of those people aren’t intentionally blocking the pathway… right?)
You might also take a look at the treatment they’ve recently put in across the river, at the Riverside Hotel. They’ve done some landscaping improvements, patio expansion, etc. – and, they also have installed some fences along either side of the Greenbelt corridor, turning it into a “controlled access highway.” There are openings every now and then, so people can enter or cross the pathway… but they aren’t able to just meander onto the pathway at any location they please. It seems to be quite effective, even for the occasional slightly-intoxicated patron. (It is WAY more relaxing to ride through on the south side of the river, at least this time of year.) If similar fencing could be installed on the publicly-owned stretches where congestion becomes problematic, it would be fantastic!
Since I ride year ‘round (bicycle and motorcycle), I’ve come to realize that the key to survival is to be prepared to compensate for any stupid thing another roadway user might do. It’s called defensive riding. So, I’m often annoyed, but rarely placed in harm’s way myself… with the occasional exception of a football dropping out of the sky, etc. However… a sizeable percentage of Greenbelt traffic is made up of more casual riders, pedestrians, roller-bladers, dog-walkers, etc. … who aren’t as expert at defensive techniques, and who may not realize how important it is to “share the pathway.” I’m hoping “the authorities” can do more to be proactive about preventing conflicts, mishaps and injuries, and also educating the population.
Thanks for your attention. Please let me know if there’s anything more I could or should do, to alleviate the problems I’ve mentioned.
