Dispute Over Trail Safety in Thurston County

Ryan Nute

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Recreational trails are a valuable public resource. But as a dispute in Thurston County demonstrates, there is often room for disagreement about trail use and safety issues.

The Capital Bicycle Club wants to use posts rather than gates at highway intersections along Thurston County's Chehalis Western and Yelm Tenino recreation trails. Officials are concerned that posts would cause bicyclists to speed or crowd pedestrians. Bicyclists respond that the gates present safety hazards of their own.

Trail users who are injured by another's negligence may well have claims against the wrongdoer's homeowner's insurance coverage. There may also be claims against the governmental entity responsible for designing or maintaining the trail if done so negligently.

Read more: Keri Brenner, The Olympian