Trail users at Sky Mountain Park are likely to notice a few new, eye-catching signs posted along the trails these days. The temporary signs offer gentle reminders about making room for everyone at the popular park.
While the park accommodates directional bicycle travel on the downhill-only Deadline Trail and OST will be constructing a climbing route to alleviate the safety concerns of bi-directional travel on Airline, most of the trails in the popular network are two-way and multi-use. One of the themes that came out of the public input for the 2021 Sky Mountain Park Management Plan update was the need to address trail safety and user conflicts. The campaign features short messages about yielding to other users or announcing before passing, for example.
“The signs are meant to offer gentle nudges about behavior and safety, like reminding downhill mountain bikers on Seven Star that it’s a two-way trail. That means uphill traffic is likely to be encountered,” said Carly Klein, senior planner with Open Space and Trails. The key to trail etiquette is captured on entrance signs with the message, “Be nice, say hi,” meaning that if you’re able to connect briefly with other users on the trail, everyone’s experience will be improved and the trails will be safer for all.
The messages are accompanied by colorful illustrations of wildlife species that can be found at the park. The signs are temporary and will disappear after about four weeks.
“We’re hoping if they pop up briefly, they’ll garner attention,” Klein said.
The Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association assisted with installation of the signs.
Contact: Carly Klein | Open Space and Trails senior planner | carly.klein@pitkincountycom | 970.920.5224
