Mrs. Action Line was up to the challenge, and an expeditionary perambulation took place.
Among the discoveries: The city actually does have signs encouraging civility and safety.
Granted, they don’t specifically state that bike riders should utter “on your left” when overtaking pedestrians, but it’s implied thusly:
“Please be courteous, slow down, share the trail and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Animas River Trail & Greenway.”
The sign then offers a list of preferred behaviors.
“Leave no trace. Use trash containers provided. Dogs must be leashed at all times; you must clean up after your pets. Smoking is prohibited. Respect private property. Be courteous – slow down.”
It was the first time that Action Line stopped to read this sign despite walking past it hundreds of times over the years.
This demonstrates the effectiveness of posting signs.
Durango has too many signs anyway.
On another level, it would also be redundant to require trail users to say “on your left.”
Judging by all the election lawn signs, most townsfolk are pretty much “on the left,” so there is no need to restate this fact.
Durango has many exercise enthusiasts, but they must be totally lacking in upper body strength. That’s because no one seems capable of pushing the button to activate crossing signals. You see it from pedestrians trying to cross Camino del Rio and, even more dangerously, at the Durango Dog Park. What else would explain not using the warning lights? Maybe the Colorado Department of Transportation could install a foot pedal. Sign me, Please Push the Button
The lack of upper body strength is a temporary ailment that disappears in the presence of craft beers.
Just take a look around Steamworks, Carvers, Ska or your favorite watering hole. The person once unable to lift a hand to push the crossing signal now has no problem doing 16-ounce curls.
And speaking of mysterious physical ailments, Durango pedestrians also have some sort of neck condition that hinders the ability to look both ways before stepping out into the street.
What Durango needs is some exercise beyond yoga and standup paddle boards.
So Action Line called up the nice folks at the Durango Sports Club and spoke with owner Will Thomas.
The Durango Sports Club offers expert guidance and instruction by trained and certified fitness professionals, and Will suggested a two-prong therapeutic approach.
“For the short term, some rowing, pull downs and shrugs,” he recommended as a way to improve upper body strength and mobility.
“The added benefit is that doing exercises also prevents people from looking at their phone constantly,” he said with a laugh.
As for a long-term solution, Will noted that fitness improves higher mental functions.
“Not using the crossing signals on a busy road is definitely a sign of cognitive impairment,” he said.
Email questions to [email protected] or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. You can ask for anonymity if your other bike is a Subaru.
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