Access

There’s talk of paving a popular bike trail near my home.  Right now the trail is lined with pea gravel.  It’s nice to ride on if you have a trail bike – one with wide knobby tires.  But not everybody does.  Paving the trail will make it easier for those with only road bikes – ones with skinny sleek tires.

It would also make the trail more accessible to those with limited mobility.  People who use wheelchairs and walkers need access to the great outdoors just like anyone else.

Bugline Trail
Just outside Menomonee Falls, WI.

Providing paved trails is important but I’m not advocating paving all trails.  The Seven Bridges trail is fastly becoming one of my favorites but I would not insist on putting in ramps and paving all the trails there.  Not only would it be expensive but it would also take away from the beauty of the trail.  Paving the trail near my house wouldn’t do that.

Folks who use wheelchairs and walkers do have choices, limited as they may be, to enjoy God’s creation.  It takes some research and planning but it can be done.  Look for beginner, level trails, call and ask a ranger if the state park you are visiting has paved trails.  Many of the bike trails in the area are paved.  Check with local bike shops to find a level trail.  Yes, I’m asking you to stay away from the web here.  Talking to people who use the trail gives you a more accurate assessment of that trail.  City parks are more apt to have paved trails.  Call your parks department to find out.

Everyone should have access to nature and all should enjoy its quiet simplicity. 

Pack out what you pack in.