Letters to the Editor 8/7/24

Perspective on Clemens Park

To the Editor:

Here’s a perspective from a resident who has lived over the fence from Cliff Clemens Park for over 7 years. This park is used extensively. All of it. It has been a constant joy to witness just how delightfully and consistently it is used.

I have often wished Mr. Clemens could watch with me to have the glow of knowing just how much his namesake park has meant to this community over the nearly 20 years since its dedication. He expressed a desire that trees would eventually line the borders, which is gradually coming to pass. The tranquility of this park is almost tangible.

Please let it stay.

Cindy Erickson

Thoughts on e-bikes

To the Editor:

After reading The Nugget article regarding e-bikes on Peterson Ridge trails, I had some thoughts. I don’t bike there, but frequently hike with my dog on all parts of the trail system.

There appear to be two major concerns: that e-bikes will increase the speed of bike traffic on the trails; and that e-bikes will increase usage, with problems of congestion and trail damage. In my opinion neither of these are likely to be major issues.

I believe bike speed on the trails is limited by the terrain, electric bike or not. While an e-bike might top out at 20 mph, it’s very unlikely someone could approach that speed while avoiding trees, rocks, other bikers, and dog walkers like me. Bikers now are mostly at a pretty leisurely pace, and I wouldn’t expect that to change if the rider was on an e-bike; it would be neither safe nor comfortable.

If allowing e-bikes were to increase trail use substantially, that would imply that there are large numbers of potential bike users who don’t ride the trails now, but would do so if they could ride an e-bike. To me that seems unlikely. Those who enjoy riding the trail system might switch to an e-bike to make riding easier, but that wouldn’t increase the number of riders. And damage from an e-bike is basically the same as damage from a conventional bike.

I have found riders on the trails to be generally very courteous to pedestrians, slowing to pass and letting me know that other riders are following. I would expect that to continue, regardless of the bike technology.

Ken Willett