Residents who spoke this week about the city of Durango’s proposed 10 mph speed restriction on the Animas River Trail didn’t complain about people riding too fast; rather, they said the proposed limit was too slow.
City Council voted to postpone the decision, saying more information is needed, which is to be presented at a future study session.
The proposal would have required people riding bikes, scooters, skateboards or other wheeled devices to slow to 10 mph or less when passing other trailer users.
Joe Hanrahan, owner of Durango Cyclery, said most cyclists do not have a speedometer. Trail etiquette already calls for riders to slow down and give clear signals when passing, and a 10 mph restriction would be too slow and difficult to enforce, he said.
Hanrahan’s concerns were echoed by others. They said 10 mph is too slow, speedometers are costly and enforcement would be difficult.
He said some cargo e-bikes ‒ used to transport children and groceries ‒ are less stable at very low speeds.
“I think 15 mph is much more reasonable. That seems to be the standard for bike paths around the country,” he said.
He suggested the city work with local shops or cycling groups on a public-relations campaign to teach etiquette, including providing bike bells to alert others when passing. Painting a center line along the path and encouraging shorter dog leashes would also help, he said.
City Attorney Mark Morgan said the proposed ordinance doesn’t set a “speed limit” but rather imposes “speed restrictions” when other trail users are present.
Morgan said the city follows recommendations from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which does not specify a maximum trail speed. Instead, it outlines a speed that would be “at least as high as the preferred speed of the fastest common user,” and only applies when other users on the trail are present.
“If you have the trail to yourself ‒ like if you’re commuting early in the morning ‒ you can go a reasonable speed,” he said. “Twenty, 25, 15 mph – whatever speed is reasonable to you and there aren’t other people around who you’re putting at risk with that speed.”
Morgan said the city generally wants riders to travel their preferred speed as long as it is reasonable and doesn’t pose a danger to others.
Councilor Jessica Buell said she is concerned about a lack of community engagement and the potential consequences violators.
“I think we’re moving a little fast,” she said. “I think it must be supported by clear data and community buy-in.”
Buell, who commutes on an e-bike, said she sees other people on the trail 95% of the time and agreed that 10 mph is too slow.
She said slowing to 10 mph in certain sections, such as around blind corners, is a good idea. But passing a law that could result in a $100 fine needs more deliberation.
Councilor Kip Koso said trail is unsafe and speed restrictions are needed.
“Ticketing and citations are going to have to be implemented on a trail that is being abused right now,” he said. “I think it’s important that we act rapidly to make some changes on a trail that has been demonstrated to be a danger.”
Koso said enforcement measures that get users’ attention would improve safety.
“I think it’s time for enforcement,” he said.
Buell pushed back, saying more community buy-in is needed and that other safety concerns – like teenagers riding illegal electric motorcycles on the trail – should be addressed first.
“It’s not an effort to stop the ordinance,” she said. “It’s an effort to get it right.”
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
