May is National Bicycle Safety Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Many runners are bicyclists as well and not just when they’re injured. Whether you’re a runner, biker or walker, we all share the Billings trail system. Our many trails here in Billings are actually “Multi-use” trails, not just running trails or bike paths and we all share the responsibility to keep them safe by practicing good trail etiquette and just being courteous to other users.
Runners can practice good trail etiquette by considering a just few easy things:
1- When running up behind a walker, give them a heads up, “I’m on your left!”
2- when running with your dog, keep the leash from stretching across the trail (and pick up and pack out the poo)
3- Be aware of cyclists approaching from behind.
4- When running with a group, don’t take up the entire width of the trail
City Parks has just finished producing some signage with several of these reminders and will soon be installed on our trails.
That said, there are always a few bad actors and there is currently one in particular, who frequents a popular west end trail. For the purpose of this letter, let’s just refer to him as, “Butthead”. Butthead rides a large E-bike, typically along the Big Ditch Trail in the area from 48th Street West to 38th Street West. That multi-use trail is heavily used by school children, walkers and runners. Many people have reported this large, middle aged man on a very large E-bike, speeding along the trail and swerving around pedestrians. At least one pedestrian reported being hit in the arm by Butthead only to have him return and attempt to intimidate her by speeding towards her and stopping just short of plowing into her. This has been reported to the Police as well as to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee. This should serve as a reminder to us all- don’t be a Butthead!
If you do encounter a problem person on the trail, or any other dangerous or unsafe situation, you’re encouraged to call the Police non-emergency number 406-657-6200. For more serious emergencies, of course call 911.
Also of interest to runners and other trail users is the re-establishment of the Police Volunteer Program, under coordinator Jesus Ochoa of the Billings Police Department. If you’re interested in the program you can contact him at Ochoaj@Billings.mt.gov.
Happy Trails!
Dave Coppock
This article is reppublished here with the permission of its original author, Dave Coppock, President of Yellowstone Rim Runners. The original publish date is in the Yellowstone Rim Runners May 2024 newsletter.