While most people seem to be getting worked up about the “pedal tavern” plying the rail trail lanes recently, I’m more concerned about a problem which has plagued the route for a much longer period of time. There are signs at every intersection along the thoroughfare which clearly “peddle” (couldn’t resist) the prohibition of motor vehicles along the passage.
There are more forms of transportation — more than I was ever aware of — which pass this seemingly rigorous restriction. Some include pedal bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, and many others which I don’t even know the names of. That’s not to mention walking of course.
Admittedly, there are some participants in all of the above mentioned categories, who make others fear for lives and limbs while negotiating the track — be they cyclists trying to catch up to the peloton, skaters trying out for the roller derby, or skateboarders competing in the X Games.
But it is particularly annoying to see someone on one of these motorized bikes come rocketing toward you or by you. The warning, “On your left,” when uttered, sounds more like the Doppler effect than a meaningful signal.
The towns along the path seem to be turning a deaf ear to these, and even to the electrical-assisted rental bikes, which have been touted to improve everything from traffic congestion to sinus congestion.
No doubt there is a place for these motorized vehicles — and yes, they are motorized. I would suggest someplace like Martinsville or Daytona instead of our local rail trail.
Jonathan Kahane
Westhampton