Councilperson takes on trail detour scofflaws
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Sections of the blockade at the closed portion of Walnut Creek Trail in Windsor Heights were cut or torn for illegal access. Photo: Courtesy of Lauren Campbell
Windsor Heights Councilperson Lauren Campbell is fighting trail-detour scofflaws with a homemade weapon: humorous signs.
Why it matters: While some of Campbell's signs are intended to generate a smile, they're also there to remind people to take detours before someone gets hurt.
Driving the news: Walnut Creek Trail users have been bypassing barricades and cutting through fencing near the 73rd Street reconstruction zone north of University Avenue.
- Some have gone over or under fences, trespassed through nearby private property and ignored multiple "trail closed" warnings.
Case in point: One cyclist lifted a bike over a barricade, and another ran over one of her signs as she was placing them last Thursday, yelling at her to "get a job," she tells Axios.
Zoom in: Campbell, who owns a photography studio, made the signs for about $100.
- One asks: "Do you really want to explain to a police officer why you ignored the signs for the detour and decided to trespass on private property?"
State of play: The trail closure is part of the final phase of a multiyear project encompassing storm sewer and water main work.
- Large equipment and open trenches are required, with construction crews being delayed or distracted when they must advise people to leave the area.
- Police have so far been giving warnings, but people could ultimately be cited for trespassing, Campbell said.
Stunning stat: The fine can be $500 for a first offense.
Zoom out: Detour dodgers are not unique to Windsor Heights or other areas in the metro. Last year, trail users in places such as Utah and Virginia were warned.
- A Hawaii travel news site reported hikers kept using a closed trail after a child was critically injured at Koko Crater.
- The Iowa DOT warned the public last year that trespassing on closed trails near an interstate project in Sioux City could result in severe penalties.
What's next: Windsor Heights' project is anticipated to continue through early September, though Campbell says the trail could reopen before then.