It’s a tragedy that Durango resident Katie Siegrist died while walking her dog near the United Campground.
Before any further decisions are made regarding Roberts RV Park, I am inviting the La Plata County Planning Department, county commissioners, the county attorney, the roads and bridges division and Colorado Department of Transportation to review the illegal, hazardous and dangerous road conditions at Trimble Lane and County Road 250.
Under the U.S. Department of Transportation, federal courts have been less sympathetic to agencies that do not consider needs of pedestrians and cyclists. U.S. Code 217 says, “Bicyclists and pedestrians shall be given due consideration in the comprehensive transportation plans, developed by each planning organization and state in accordance with sections 134 and 135 respectively.”
Under the Department of Transportation Colorado State Laws, Chapter 14, “Sharing the Roadway(1.1.1); Rule of Design (1.1.2); Bike Lane width (1.6.1.) are governing laws for bicycles with 3 feet to pass. Signs are posted on CR 250 but not on Trimble Lane. All moving vehicles must allow 3 feet to pass bicyclists 42-4-1001 and 42-4-1005.
However, there is no bike lane. The public is asked to cross solid yellow lines, violating provisions of these sections and committing an illegal traffic class “A” infraction.
Therefore, governmental agencies cannot plead “unwillful ignorance” knowing these laws are there to protect public health and safety. Under the Seventh Amendment, civil suits of “common law” look at past decisions and are used when citizens’ rights have been violated.
Marian Townsend
Durango
