Bicycling About Parker - #2
2nd in a series
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Denver Fox
Bicycle Safety on Multiple Use Paths (MUPS), and an Ice Cream Ride
Parker and the surrounding area is loaded with Multiple Use Paths (MUPS). MUPS combine in one 8 or 10 foot trail at least 5 different groups: horses and riders, walkers and runners, people on wheels (bicycles, skates, skateboards), people with dogs and kids of all ages.
Additionally, there are many different levels of proficiency in each group, from children learning to ride a bike, to really great skaters to skittish horses.
So, how is one safe as a bicyclist on a MUP? Well, most bicycle safety statistics show that MUPS are not very safe, with far more accidents than riding a bicycle on a road with cars. However, the accidents tend to be much less serious, although I know personally of two bicycle deaths on Denver area MUPS, and I knew one of those killed.
Fortunately, Parker-area MUPS are generally uncrowded, with lots of room to ride by yourself. However, on a weekend there may be heavy traffic.
Some suggestions that work for me:
Right of way. Legally, horses have the priority, followed by pedestrians then bicyclists, who are low man on the totem pole.
Communication. Let folks know where you are and what you are doing. When overtaking someone, I never say, "on your left." I always either ring my bell and/or state "passing." "On your left" confuses folks - some folks don't know their left, and then they have to decide what to do. I once had a new bicycle rider move left after I said "on your left." I always say "Thank you" after someone has moved over for me.
Observation. When approaching someone from either the front or the rear, observe carefully their walking or bicycling pattern. When I ring my bell or yell "passing," I watch carefully for a change in how a person walks or bicycles - if they hear me, there will be a movement to the right, or a hand wave. If they don't, I ring or yell again. Don't assume that someone approaching you from the front sees you. Their mind may be totally somewhere else, and also give them a warning if you are not sure.
Kids. Kids will do just about anything unexpectedly. When giving a bell or verbal warning to a kid on a bike, expect the kid to look left over his/her left shoulder and pull the bike/tricycle sharply to the left into your path. I slow down to a walk speed whenever overtaking a kid. Kids on trainer bikes are especially vulnerable. Kids walking also do strange things.
Horses. Most horses in Parker are well trail-trained and not too skittish. But, a horse tells what is going on by hearing. When approaching a horse from the rear, slow down, ask permission of the rider to pass, and then talk gently throughout the passing maneuver, so the horse knows where you are.
Dogs and animals. Most dogs on Parker MUPS are on leashes. If unleashed, or if I have any doubt about what the dog might do, I stop. The most dangerous is someone riding a bicycle with a dog or chain on a leash. I always stop when I see this. A dog tangled in your wheel spokes can injure you seriously or kill you, as can a rabbit or squirrel. If a deer crosses your path, it most likely will be followed by one or more deer also crossing. Stop and wait.
Helmets. Helmets can save one from serious injury. And, injuries do occur on MUPS. I find it strange when I see mom and dad without helmets, and the kids wearing them. I want to ask them (but I don't) what would cause more harm to the family - a dad or mom critically injured and unable to work and provide financially, or a child. All folks should have helmets.
Riding double file. Riding double on a MUP may seem like fun, but it is intimidating and may be unsafe to bicyclists coming in the opposite direction, especially riders without great bicycling skills. If you have an absolute need to talk, there are many wonderful shelters along the trail. Stop there for your chats. Avoid a nasty collision.
Trail hazards Gravel, ice, rocks, limbs, wet leaves, water - all change the contact friction between the tire and the road surface. Slow down, and dismount and walk if necessary. It takes particular skill to ride one's bicycle on these surfaces.
A Fun Ride for Ice Cream
Start from the Parker Recreation Center, NE corner of Lincoln and Jordan. Go ¼ mile east to the Cherry Creek Trail.
Turn right. Go underneath Lincoln and through the open space. The trail to the right just before the fire training facility goes to Clarke Farms and passes by Cherokee Elementary School.
Notice the fire training facility on the left - one of the best in the area. It's fun to watch the training. This year, Parker Fire joined with South Metro Fire to form a large district.
The next trail left - just about 100 yards - goes to the spanking brand new Parker Railbender skatepark, tennis courts, playground and porta potty. This skatepark is likely one of the best in the country, with three different arenas - beginner, intermediate and advanced. Across the street is the two-year-old recreation department field house.
The huge cement pad is used for training teen-age driver in special skills, and for training fire department drivers.
Continue to the memorial bench for Delia Attard, who was a lady, 84 years old, who daily walked miles on the trail. I used to talk with her. She was found floating in a pond last year and could not be revived.
The next intersection will be a trail leading to the left to Mainstreet. Go under Mainstreet. After that is the unmarked Sulphur Gulch Trail (yes, that is how it is spelled). The Cherry Creek Trail goes to the right, the Sulphur Gulch Trail to the left. Go up the gentle hill of Sulphur Gulch Trail past the Porta Potty and baseball field. To your right, the water going into the Gulch is reclaimed water from the sewage plant. It is perfectly clean.
Continue for one mile (under Twenty Mile Road and under Parker Road). Turn into the parking lot at Kacey Fine Furniture, bicycle carefully across the parking lot, and have a hot fudge sundae at McDonald's - just $1.00.
Continue up the trail past Town Hall to the tennis courts. There is a brand new porta-potty there. Return to the rec center. It is all downhill.
You have just done a 8.5 mile ride!!
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