[pct-l] Horse encounter with illegal MTBs

[JPL]

Dan's email hits the spot.  Nice summary!

-----Original Message----- 
From: Dan Jacobs
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2013 1:43 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Horse encounter with illegal MTBs

On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 6:31 AM, Mark Hyams <markhyams at hotmail.com> wrote:

> What exactly does it mean to "not yield" to mountain bikers? Walking along
> the trail yesterday, often if I moved a few inches off center, there was
> room for the biker to pass. Do I just stay in the middle? Are bikers
> expected to actually stop, and let us pass? Just want to be on the same
> page here as everyone.


I am not "everyone", and will never claim to be.

Just simply doing nothing to help the bicycle get around you is not
yielding. If you are on a trail closed to bikes, if they are polite, and
you decide to be polite in return by cooperating with letting them by
safely, you could, in a friendly tone remind them they are on a closed to
bikes trail, and just leave it at that. If it is in any way less than safe
to step off the trail to let them by, tell them so. You are responsible for
making safety decisions for yourself, no one else can.

There is enough hostility in the world. Please don't create more
unnecessarily. Simply hiking on is not hostile. It's gentle resistance. It
doesn't create a new problem or exacerbate an already present one. Still,
be prepared for any possible hostility from others. Kill them with
kindness, and hike on.

Then report the illegal activity ASAP. No need to try to citizen's arrest
someone (may not be legal in the case of a bicycle on a "closed to bikes"
trail due to state laws on citizens arrest) and risk getting hurt or
possible legal problems. Observe, make note of details to help possibly
catch the illegal bicycle operators, report the incident, and be a good
witness. That is all I could ask of anyone in a simple "biker and hiker
meet on a trail" situation.

Anything more complicated, like the one in the news story, has to be
handled on a case by case basis. I still would recommend not to make the
situation worse by threatening anyone, but simply ask for their help. The
people in the news story refused, but people on bicycles, their speed could
be useful if help is needed, so take that into consideration.

Every incident unfolds in it's own way. Use caution. Be kind, if at all
possible. Don't create or add to hostility. Just hike on.

Dan Jacobs
Washougal
-- 
"Loud motorcycle stereos save lives."
Motorcycle to hike, hike to motorcycle.
Make a friend of pain and you'll never be alone.
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