Several Steamboat organizations have been making laudable efforts to keep our trails safe for people who walk and run on them.

In spite of that work, the core trail and the shared use sections of Spring Creek have become truly dangerous.

The problem has been growing worse every year. I am among many who no longer use these trails without fear of serious injury. What is clear to me, is that we will never enforce or police our way out of this problem.

By my estimate, fewer than 1 in 20 bikers announce themselves before passing, or slow down around pedestrians, or adhere to posted speed limits. Children on electric vehicles (many looking at their phones) add another level of ‘trail terror.’

We need a cultural change. To start, I suggest every Steamboat business owner who either sells or rents bikes — be they cruisers, e-bikes, or mountain bikes; or be required to equip them with bells.

Noone’s enjoyment is infringed upon if businesses routinely advise their customers (many of whom are visitors) that “in Steamboat, we use the bell to announce our presence before overtaking others.” It is not just a curtesy, but an issue of everyone’s safety.

Our city council, police, and Parks and Rec officials need to commit to a coordinated and sustained communications effort to encourage change and bring about safe biking behaviors. It won’t solve 100% of the issue overnight, but it would be a great start.