Letter to the editor

It is really great to see so many people using the new Great Sauk Trail, but for you folks who bike, please be aware that it is important to let the path’s other bikers and walkers know when you intend to pass them. Just like you use turn signals to indicate that you are changing lanes in your car, it is wise to have a bike bell on your handlebars to let people know that you are passing them from behind. And if you encounter a walker who has a dog on a retractable leash or a parent walking or biking with a younger child who is zigzagging across the path, it is best to let these folks know well in advance that you are coming up on them.  A few folks might be offended by this ding- ding- dinging, but actually, in most countries where I have biked, it is just common courtesy to use a bell.  It is great way for bikers and walkers to communicate with each other on a multiple use trail.  In addition to the bell, I will oftentimes verbally say ‘passing on your left’ and get an appreciative ‘thank you’ from the walkers as I scoot by.  Bike smart, walk smart, and enjoy the outdoors.       Gaila Hagg Olsen Black Earth, WI   Editor’s note: the Great Sauk State Trail is still open, including the section through the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area--which is itself closed.