I am a frequent walker along the rail trail, often over the bridge from Northampton and into Hadley. I am a senior and always walk with a friend. We are terrorized by bicyclists speeding past — few of whom sound an alert.
I agree very strongly with Dr Brummers’ Sept. 8 guest column [“Keep high-powered e-bikes off the rail trail“] as well as an Aug. 25 letter [“Rail trail safety“] from Elizabeth Holbrook regarding safety on the rail trail. There is a sign stating that “Bikes Yield to Pedestrians,” on the Northampton side, quite high on the side of a shed facing the Elwell Island parking lot. I doubt any cyclists are able to see it. No other signs indicating this trail rule are visible on the parts of the trail I frequent.
I request that some serious signage be placed on the trail at regular intervals. Also vital would be signage requesting that cyclists alert pedestrians as they approach. Being hit by a speeding cyclist could be deadly. All a cyclist needs to do is to ring a bell or to shout out to say “On your left!” The trail is such a wonderful and lovely resource for us all, pedestrians, bicyclists, people pushing strollers and dog walkers. Please keep it safe for all of us.
Eileen Claveloux
Sunderland