Bad Behavior

[davemagill]

I would like some help with a "Trail Condition" problem at Schaeffer. I got this email from a local equestrian:

"Mr. Magill,

I am an equestrian user of the Schaeffer trail system. Over the last 2
weekends my friends and I have run into some very rude cyclists on the
trails. For the most part, the cyclists stop and wait for the horses to
pass or ask permission to pass the horses. But there have been several
cyclists who do not stop at all. They come right at the horses and
force the equestrians to pull into the brush and frighten the horses.
There are some people with their children riding who don't have that
much control. This past week some of our riders have been forced to
dismount and one even fell to the ground. The cyclist kept on going.
Please remind your cyclists that they are supposed to yield to
walker/hikers and horses. We can all share the trails safely with a
little consideration.

Thank you,

Donna Collins"

I told her that I would try to get the word out. More importantly, I want to try to stop the handful of riders who are not yielding to horses. That is dangerous stuff. If you see a rider acting badly, please speak to them, or send me some info. Description of the rider or their bike! License plate number if you see them in the parking lot! I'll speak to them or get the Park Police to call them. And if you see an incident like this, please stop and let the equestrian know that this type of behavior upsets you!

Thanks,

Dave Magill
Trail Liaison
Schaeffer Farm

[gaz]

I noticed some bikers at Schaeffer the weekend before last displaying some... dickish behaviour? Such as not yielding to uphill riders (ie me and my buddies trying to get up a hill, and almost being rammed by guys barrelling downhill when they'd seen us as they crested the top), not wearing helmets, barelling around corners, etc. Mostly I would say that these riders were obviously not serious riders (at risk of being offensive to not serious riders, but they were sans helmet, on relatively entry level bikes, in street clothes) but some of them were geared up well enough to make me think that they should know better.

[hophead]

It's unfortunate that there are a few out there that are either unaware of proper trail etiquette, or just don't care.

Maybe we could install some signs that show who yields to who on the trail and maybe also post something at the trailhead. I'd be happy to look into getting some of these signs (maybe from IMBA?) and installing them.

[hophead]

Just checked IMBA's website and they have the signs pictured below for sale. They are 9 bucks each and made out of fiberglass. They do offer quantity discounts. I called to find out what kind of quantity and what the price would be and they are going to call me back later today.

[yueq]

It's unfortunate that there are a few out there that are either unaware of proper trail etiquette, or just don't care.

Maybe we could install some signs that show who yields to who on the trail and maybe also post something at the trailhead. I'd be happy to look into getting some of these signs (maybe from IMBA?) and installing them.

That's an excellent idea. Some riders may not read the one and only notice at Schaeffer's trail head. Installing more signs will definitely help in educating newbies while reminding the others. Once you get the signs I'd be happy to spend some time putting them up.

[drewdane]

That's an excellent idea. Some riders may not read the one and only notice at Schaeffer's trail head. Installing more signs will definitely help in educating newbies while reminding the others. Once you get the signs I'd be happy to spend some time putting them up.
I say post 'em at every map kiosk.

[Vecsus]

Unfotunately, the people dumb enough to ride down a horse are probably too dumb to understand the sign. Either that or they simply won't care. The down side is that each cyclist represents every other cyclist.

But I agree with the idea of putting the signs up at every map kiosk. Hell, I would even throw in the money to "sponsor" one of the signs. I am sure we can easily generate enough sponsors to put a sign at the trailhead and each map board.

"This sign brought to you by Vecsus"

[hophead]

Unfotunately, the people dumb enough to ride down a horse are probably too dumb to understand the sign. Either that or they simply won't care. The down side is that each cyclist represents every other cyclist.

That may be true and some who do read the signs may still not yield, but at least it will show the equestrians that we take their concerns seriously and want to do what we can to help.

[drewdane]

Hell, I would even throw in the money to "sponsor" one of the signs. I am sure we can easily generate enough sponsors to put a sign at the trailhead and each map board.

I think this is a great idea - I'd totally sponsor a sign!

[davemagill]

Wow, what a great idea ! Count me in for $20. Let me check with MORE aout paying for these, in part of in whole. Sounds like $150 to $200 should do it. Hop head, thanks for checking out the IMBA site. What size are the signs? I am going to take this conversation to email for the MORE money question. What is i your address?

[halfinch]

dave,
i dont ride the md trails that often, but several times have had amicable experiences with equestrian riders.

i'd be up for a contribution, so how do we donate?

[hophead]

Wow, what a great idea ! Count me in for $20. Let me check with MORE aout paying for these, in part of in whole. Sounds like $150 to $200 should do it. Hop head, thanks for checking out the IMBA site. What size are the signs? I am going to take this conversation to email for the MORE money question.
They are 12" x 9". I noticed on Saturday that there is one posted at the Schaeffer trailhead and also one at the Hoyles Mill trailhead on Whiteground Rd. IMBA never got back to me with the quantity price. I will call them back on Monday and let you know.
What is i your address?
E-mail??? It's hophead1 at comcast dot net

-Scott

[The_Boy]

The last two times I have been to Schaefer, I have come across an inexperienced rider who doesnt know to yield to someone going uphill. They seemed to be novices based on their attire/bikes.