Jan. 9, 2023, 9:14 a.m. -  Andrew Major

Last year I felt compelled to contact two of the local kids’ bike programs after my kid was nearly run down in (the same) obviously uphill section of a two-way green trail.  They were really receptive about reminding their coaches that uphill traffic has the right of way unless otherwise posted. It’s anecdotal, but in future meetings on that trail and elsewhere we didn’t have another issue even seeing them often. The power of a friendly reminder? I think it’s important to stay on top of these long held courtesies, especially with multi-use trails and non-rider traffic. Especially with the ever growing numbers of ever-quieter beyond-meat bikes out there going up-and-across trails so quickly.  No one needs to be a trail cop, but I’ll absolutely, politely, tell folks if they pass too closely or alert them to my presence as the climber if I see them not yielding and most folks are receptive.  … I was having this conversation yesterday about how amazing it is riding this time of year. Despite the cold and wet a much higher percentage of trail users are friendly. Courtesy has the right of way and I often find everyone yields to everyone regardless of right of way - “after you” and “no, please, after you.” I love it.  On a busy Saturday in July I suppose there’s just too many people in the trails to have the same energy.