Here are some pictures Marion took of the bridges across the canal. They illustrate some trail problems very well. As you know, the horse bridge is on the left. It's an old railroad flatcar, put in years ago with private money, after the old wooden bridge was torn down when the canal was widened. It has erosion problems at the ends and an open slot in the middle, so you can see the water flowing below.
On the right is the nice solid metal bicycle bridge, with chain link sides, no doubt to keep the bicycles from spooking and falling off. Now I don't begrudge the bicyclists their bridge, but it would be nice to have one just a little better for the horses. There is a second bicycle bridge up by the weirs. It would be helpful to have one there for the horses, too, so riders wouldn't be tempted to sneak across the bicycle bridge.
It seems that there are two attitudes toward the horse trails. One holds that equestrians should not complain about problems, because it is much easier (and cheaper) for authorities to shut down a trail than fix a problem. The other side believes that if no one ever points out problems, nothing ever gets done about them; plus, the authorities figure no one is using the trails and close them to horseback riders anyway.
It seems to me that we need to strike a balance. We don't want to be always complaining, but we do need to let the Powers that Be know that we are there, we do use the trails, and we are willing to be part of the solution, rather than the problem. You've made a good start with your new web site. Keep it up.
Roberta
Koztarr said...
On the right is the nice solid metal bicycle bridge, with chain link sides, no doubt to keep the bicycles from spooking and falling off. Now I don't begrudge the bicyclists their bridge, but it would be nice to have one just a little better for the horses. There is a second bicycle bridge up by the weirs. It would be helpful to have one there for the horses, too, so riders wouldn't be tempted to sneak across the bicycle bridge.
It seems that there are two attitudes toward the horse trails. One holds that equestrians should not complain about problems, because it is much easier (and cheaper) for authorities to shut down a trail than fix a problem. The other side believes that if no one ever points out problems, nothing ever gets done about them; plus, the authorities figure no one is using the trails and close them to horseback riders anyway.
It seems to me that we need to strike a balance. We don't want to be always complaining, but we do need to let the Powers that Be know that we are there, we do use the trails, and we are willing to be part of the solution, rather than the problem. You've made a good start with your new web site. Keep it up.
Roberta
Koztarr said...
The existing old railroad car bridge was funded by equestrians and public money after the old wooden bridge burned from 4th of July fireworks many, many years ago. Since the new multi use bridge was put in with the completion of the bike trail I now use it instead of the old bridge. I ride over both new bridges and there is no exclusion for horses on either bridge. Riders that are uncomfortable riding over the old bridge should feel free to use the new bridges.
1 comment:
The existing old railroad car bridge was funded by equestrians and public money after the old wooden bridge burned from 4th of July fireworks many, many years ago. Since the new multi use bridge was put in with the completion of the bike trail I now use it instead of the old bridge. I ride over both new bridges and there is no exclusion for horses on either bridge. Riders that are uncomfortable riding over the old bridge should feel free to use the new bridges.
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