Decisions, decisions, decisions
Recent when I was hiking, I saw an old cross-country path had steps cut into it. I shook my head as I considered all the arguments about building steps on that path.
For those people not aware of the path, I will cover it. The cross-country path was on a fairly steep slope. It was the only path to several hiking trails as well as to one prominent tree top walk. An old man had fallen down the cross-country path a decade ago and he argued for proper steps to be built. His injuries were quite serious that it required hospitalization.
Logical? Unfortunately, this meant that some of the avid cross-country runners had to run part of their trail on something man-made. This spoilt the joy of cross-country running. An activity (cross-country running) that I had done but never particularly enjoyed.
For a few years, the issue of the path remained. The cross-country runners manage to keep the trail as natural as possible. Logically, you would expect old people or people less willing to rough it out to avoid the trail. You would be wrong.
Apparently, these (clearly not cross-country running) people started climbing over a short fence and using a private road next to the trail. The trail is usually quite deserted but the foot traffic could pick up during weekends or holidays. This meant a steady stream of trespassers on the private road. The private road belonged to a private club which resented people climbing over the fence and using its private road or even using it washroom facilities.
When these trespassers were asked to leave, they usually brought up the issue of the broken down trail. Logically, the club had no control over the nature trail as it was on state land. But it did not stop the trespassers from voicing their displeasure (There was never a park ranger when you need them). The low fence was torn down and a taller fence was installed. The trespassers then proceeded to walk around both ends of the fence. The walkers who had a painful time walking down the path often did not want to climb it on their return trip. Cue more trespassing. When caught, there were more arguments.
Outcome? Steps were cut into the path. All possible exits to the road were fenced off. An employee of the club was paid to watch for trespassers. Money wasted because of inconsiderate walkers? Lazy civil servants not cutting steps in the path to reduce injury? An unhelpful private club not letting people use a private road?
But at least the problem is solved? No, as the path is now smoother, people are bringing bicycles into the trial. And some of the bicycles are rentals.
So what is going through the minds of some walkers? That this path is hard so I need a shortcut? That shortcut is marked with signs but not wardens so I can ignore it? If caught, I can bring up some unrelated excuses? That lawbreaking is aceeptable when I am doing it? And now that the path is made easier, I must see if I can cycle through it?
Why is the (foot long) millipede try to cross the road?
Keeping all the onlookers on the intended road?
For those people not aware of the path, I will cover it. The cross-country path was on a fairly steep slope. It was the only path to several hiking trails as well as to one prominent tree top walk. An old man had fallen down the cross-country path a decade ago and he argued for proper steps to be built. His injuries were quite serious that it required hospitalization.
Logical? Unfortunately, this meant that some of the avid cross-country runners had to run part of their trail on something man-made. This spoilt the joy of cross-country running. An activity (cross-country running) that I had done but never particularly enjoyed.
For a few years, the issue of the path remained. The cross-country runners manage to keep the trail as natural as possible. Logically, you would expect old people or people less willing to rough it out to avoid the trail. You would be wrong.
Apparently, these (clearly not cross-country running) people started climbing over a short fence and using a private road next to the trail. The trail is usually quite deserted but the foot traffic could pick up during weekends or holidays. This meant a steady stream of trespassers on the private road. The private road belonged to a private club which resented people climbing over the fence and using its private road or even using it washroom facilities.
When these trespassers were asked to leave, they usually brought up the issue of the broken down trail. Logically, the club had no control over the nature trail as it was on state land. But it did not stop the trespassers from voicing their displeasure (There was never a park ranger when you need them). The low fence was torn down and a taller fence was installed. The trespassers then proceeded to walk around both ends of the fence. The walkers who had a painful time walking down the path often did not want to climb it on their return trip. Cue more trespassing. When caught, there were more arguments.
Outcome? Steps were cut into the path. All possible exits to the road were fenced off. An employee of the club was paid to watch for trespassers. Money wasted because of inconsiderate walkers? Lazy civil servants not cutting steps in the path to reduce injury? An unhelpful private club not letting people use a private road?
But at least the problem is solved? No, as the path is now smoother, people are bringing bicycles into the trial. And some of the bicycles are rentals.
So what is going through the minds of some walkers? That this path is hard so I need a shortcut? That shortcut is marked with signs but not wardens so I can ignore it? If caught, I can bring up some unrelated excuses? That lawbreaking is aceeptable when I am doing it? And now that the path is made easier, I must see if I can cycle through it?
Why is the (foot long) millipede try to cross the road?
Keeping all the onlookers on the intended road?
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