Trail Safety and Maintenance
From LctaWiki
Safety is an important consideration when using the trails. There are two main aspects to keep in mind regarding trail safety: Safe usage of the trails, and protecting yourself while on the trails.
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[edit] Safe Trail Usage
- Walk/ride on the right-hand side, pass on the left.
- Be aware of tight corners, bridges, etc. that may block your view.
- Don't stop on the trail.
- See also the LCTA Trails Safety Video.
[edit] Personal Safety on the Trails
- If possible, use the trails with a friend.
- Always carry a cell phone, an ID card, important medical information, and a whistle and/or pepper spray with you.
- Don't carry house and car keys together; when finished always have your keys ready to get into your vehicle.
- Vary your daily routine, and try to do it in the daylight hours.
- Be alert at all times when on the trail.
[edit] Topics for Discussion
On 2008-05-13 the topic of emergency call boxes was mentioned in conversation. The area on the Cedar River Trail from the landfill to near Tait Cummins seems like an especially good location for such a box.
- What is LCTA's position on such emergency call boxes?
- What is the city's position on them?
- What is the cost per box? Is there an infrastructure cost (pulling phone lines)?
[edit] "Adopt a Trail" Litter Control
Litter is not seen to be a big problem on Linn County Trails. However, with the Keep Linn County Beautiful "Great American Cleanup" event as a starting point, it might make sense to arrange a band of volunteers to maintain awareness of any litter problems on segments of the area trails (and would probably including remaining particularly vigilant against vandalism or other maintenance issues as well). This would in effect be an "Adopt a Highway" program for area trails. If you have thoughts on this, or would be interested in such a volunteering role, add your message here.
[edit] Trail Maintenance Requests
If you see areas of the trail in need of maintenance, please describe the situation in this section.
[edit] Sac & Fox (2008-05)
As of 2008-05-11, the Sac and Fox Trail is in need of extensive resurfacing in some places after the spring flooding. Can someone comment on plans (schedule) to complete this work (and perhaps expected cost)? -- Joeclark 09:38, 12 May 2008 (CDT)
[edit] Downtown Fence (2008-04)
The fence on the railroad side of the trail immediately north of 1st Ave. in downtown C.R. is damaged and hanging dangerously over the southbound side of the trail. It is a hazard to pedestrians, cyclists and others who pass by. This was reported to the Parks Department 4/21/08 by at least two individuals. (4/23/08 -- I pedaled by this spot today and saw that the chain link was no longer hanging out over the trail, so kudos to the Parks Department for responding so quickly. B.Smith)
[edit] Sidewalk Maintenance Requests
For sidewalks that are "wide sidewalks", log maintenance requests above under the topic of "Trail Maintenance Requests". This section is mostly informational and deals with normal (narrow) sidewalk maintenance issues, and yes, this is slightly off topic for the LCTA wiki and might be better placed on a more general Cedar Rapids city wiki (if such a wiki existed).
- The sidewalk along F Avenue NW just west of 16th Street NW is asphalt, but is in very poor condition. Any plans to resurface it?
[edit] References
Several of these tips were presented by Officer Glen Kieler of the CR Police Department at the LCTA board meeting on 2007-10-09.
