Trail design is also critical to safety

Ralph Banasiak’s 1/24 article, “How not to become a statistic,” left out a significant aspect of trail safety: appropriate placement and design of trails. “Shared responsibility” and the “Four basic concepts” 1) be conspicuous, 2) be legal, 3) be aware and 4) be predictable are all critical personal decisions when out on the trail. However, the safe placement and design of trails is the responsibility of elected officials and talented staffs. Safety is fundamental to attracting and welcoming trail users.

The city of Warrenville is planning to place a bike trail along Mack Road crossing five private properties, perhaps even through condemnation. Across the street is Blackwell Forest Preserve. How many more statistics of fatality, injury and damage will be created due to the lack of coordination and compromise that could deliver a safe trail in the forest preserve?

Pam Spevak

West Chicago