[harry chickpea]

I have followed the ups and downs of the old St Johnsbury and Lamoille County Railroad since I was a young child. There was little question from early on that it was a doomed railroad, but it was still fascinating.

The state has now turned it completely into a rails to trail project that will be the longest in New England. There is a Facebook group on it, but whenever anything the slightest bit negative comes up, the post and threads get deleted or blocked. That is unfortunate, both because people in the area are being impacted, and it is a teaching experience for communities interested in such recreational opportunities.

Other than the rare instances of a four-wheeler or motorcycle or car on the trail, the largest issue by far is a part of the cycling community. There are some who come across as incredibly entitled. One deleted post demanded that equestrians using the multi-purpose trail stop immediately and remove the horse manure when their horse relieved itself. That person has either never been around horses or has a sense of entitlement that knows no bounds.

More troubling, one local resident who made accommodations to the trail and set up a little part-time sandwich shop has had people misusing her benches and tables, demanding service when signage clearly indicated she was closed, and has been sworn at. She was seeking advice on what to do, but her post was completely blocked.

The trail itself looks beautiful, but some of those using it are pretty ugly. If not nipped in the bud, it won't be long before there are confrontations and injuries. Roadways are patrolled by police and troopers to make them safe for drivers, it looks like something similar is needed here. People. These creatures are why we can't have anything nice.

[recycled]

^^^^I'm a life-long cyclist who rides about 5,000 to 6,000 miles per year, still at it at age 68. I went for a 38 mile ride today. I've ridden countless rail trails, and many are excellent places to enjoy a ride in the countryside. Some rail trails are better than others, just like some trail users are better than others. 99 percent of the people I encounter bike riding along the trails and elsewhere are just fine, normal people. Sure, there are a few jerks out there, but you will find them no matter where you are or where you go.

I am willing to bet that if I go to Vermont and cycle the trail end to end, I would enjoy the experience and have nothing to complain about. I don't use Facebook, and whatever people complain about there would not impact me one bit. Some people just like to complain a lot. Just get out there and go for a walk, bike ride, horse back ride or whatever else that does not involve a motor vehicle on that beautiful trail.

There are rail trails all over the USA and in many other countries. That one rail trail in Vermont is no different than all the thousands of others, there is nothing I see that is particularly special in causing a conflict among users. A couple of complaints on Facebook doesn't mean the situation is really a big bad deal.

[harry chickpea]

I agree that the majority of bike riders are fine, and that it is always only the few that spoil it for everyone. I rode my bike in my youth to the point that around the time I was out of high school my knees said "no more." A ride up into Smuggler's Notch or down to Waitsfield or just about anywhere was an easy ride prior to that, as my paper route earlier on had a couple steep hills, my legs were developed, and the notch had not been "discovered. I wish I could ride like I used to.

As for all rail trails across the country being the same, I have to disagree. I managed movie theatres for years in various areas, and the customers varied wildly in manners and attitude. Specifically, some of the most obnoxious customers were from areas such as NYC and the high-end areas like Palm Beach, and the rare Vermonter born with a silver spoon up their ... mouth.

Just like certain theatres will attract a certain crowd, any recreational facility will do the same when allowed no supervision and enforcement. Homeless encampments in Battery Park and City Hall Park? Those didn't happen during strict enforcement of the rules that were in place when I lived in Burlington.

In no way am I saying the rail trail isn't beautiful or the majority of the users fine. What I am saying is that it will need enforcement that has some teeth to keep it that way, and that is best started immediately, rather than playing the ugly game of catch-up.