SLR bike path courtesy

[Jeff Gross]

I rode the Labor Day club ride, which included the SLR bike trail, and was disturbed by the way the group dealt with it. Being Labor Day, the trail was busy with children and slower users.

The NCCC group rode the first half of the trail and a modest 15 mph, which I think is a good upper limit for users. Halfway, the group sped up to 20 mph, and there were a half dozen uncomfortable, potentially dangerous, encounters. One cruiser yelled at us "It's all about you!" as he gave us the finger.

I regret that I did not object to the speed, but I just let it happen and rode in the pack, so I am as guilty as everyone, and I feel ashamed. Afterward, I talked with Diana, who was the ride leader, and she was as upset as I was. She said she would have second thoughts about including the SLR trail in the future. As regular ride leader, I had similar experiences, and I stopped using the trail because of the irresistible temptation for fast riders to ride fast.

If the NCCC uses the SLR trail in the future, all members should take responsibility for discouraging each other from exceeding 15 mph.

Here is a good You Tube video on multi-use trail etiquette for bike clubs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD9u01lVxe8