The village council seems to lack some basic information about the Polly Ann Trail and some of its features.
First, the barricades on the trail, which appear at most road crossings, are a safety item. They keep ATVs, snow mobiles, 4x4s and other large motorized vehicles off the trail. One of the most basic safety considerations, and one of the greatest benefits of the trail, is to separate pedestrians from the dangers of faster moving traffic.
In addition, the barriers force trail users to slow down at road crossings. Not only do they force trail users to slow down to navigate around the barriers, they are a visual reminder that a road crossing is approaching. Without the barriers some trail users, including children, might not give a second thought to crossing a road, or they might not even realize there is a road crossing until it’s too late.
It’s hard to fathom that some council members question the installation of the safety barricades just because they restrict the use of horse buggies. Perhaps some council members should take another look at their priorities. All of the rail-to-trail paths I have ever used have such barriers in place. It is beyond reasonable explanation why anyone on the council would want them removed for the benefit of a few horse buggies.
If the council is concerned about the PATMC having passed a resolution to ban horses from using the bridge, why not seek input from an unbiased equestrian club or association before recommending that the bridge be open to horses?
Perhaps such a source could educate the council about the dangers of having horses use the bridge.
In both cases it appears that some council members failed to gather information before discussing the issues.
Hopefully, residents see beyond these impulsive reactions and realize that a great deal of thought and planning was put into the construction of the trail.
Neil Peruski, Oxford