I always wait a little to see what everybody has to say before I chime in. My former husband David and I moved to Lincoln in 1994 because of the conservation land. I could track deer out by back door! It was wonderful. David soon joined the conservation commission and served for many years. One issue that came up early was that of dogs off leash at Mount Misery. One off leash dog caused a horse to rear up, fortunately not injuring the rider and other dogs jumped on small children causing them much distress. Because Mount misery has plenty of parking, it was the focus of that discussion. One evening after the con com meeting Dave came home and poured himself stiff one. I said :" They have driven you to drink." And he laughed and said "Yes." In true Lincoln fashion there was much heated discussion, but eventually a good Lincoln compromise was made. Dogs were allowed off leash on certain trails at Mount MIsery and not on others. Of course that issue has never been revisited.
I have several thoughts about bikes on trails, and obviously I compare that with dogs off or on leash. With both dogs off leash and bikes, there is a disturbance of the people on foot or on horseback. The walkers do not disturb the off leash dogs or the bicycle riders. The disturbance and lack of comfort caused is one way only : It bothers the walkers. I think that should be strongly considered. If bikes are allowed on all trails, will walkers stop coming? Where would they go if this resource that many have used for years is no longer usable for them? Especially during covid, folks appreciated the solace of nature unimpeded by noise or disturbance. The quietness is too important to be lost, because once it is lost, it will not be returning. I am hopeful that a classic Lincoln compromise can be made limiting bike use to only a few trails.
Colleen Katsuki -- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]. Search the archives at http://lincoln.2330058.n4.nabble.com/. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
