wow trail opposed

Resident 2B · 03-19-2009, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

I've never been to the South Down Shore waterfront so I don't know but it sure seems that a 12' wide, paved asphalt, walking-biking-cross country skiing-roller blading-non motorized used, public trail proposed to be buit on the state owned railroad right-of-way would be welcomed as a major recreational enhancement to the Lakes Region. Available at no charge to the user, it will create a nine mile long x 12' wide, paved asphalt trail along three lakeside waterfronts in Belmont, Laconia and Meredith with Weirs Beach in a central location.

Sounds excellent to me.....what's not to like? The initial building of it creates jobs...and it can attract a new demographic of tourist visiter; bicyclers who could spend a day biking the nine miles plus combine a three hour Mount Washington cruise. Bicycling is good exercise for ages one to 101. Hey, when was the last time you pedalled along a mostly flat and highly scenic, waterfront bike path? Who knows, once you see it and try it, you might even like it?

!

FLL,

I totally agree with you and I hope that they can get at least the first phase of the WOW Trail completed.

It provides jobs, it supports the tourist business that is critical to our area and it appears it qualifies for the federal money intended to help the economy. Seems like a great thing to do to me and I hope it moves forward quickly. In the words of a great American: "Lets Roll!"

I even like your suggestion of planting roses to climb the fence.

Agreeing with you id scary, but I think you are "spot on" with this.

R2B

SAMIAM · 03-19-2009, 06:33 AM

What could be uglier than 5 miles of chain link fence......not just in front of SDS,but the entire western shore of Paugus Bay?This is a foolhardy idea that should have been scrapped as soon as the fence requirement became known.Because of the hilly terrain,there are few bike enthusiasts in the lakes region,while there are thousands of snowmobilers who will now have access to the lake restricted.
Stop for a moment and quickly name all of the people that you know that ride bikes on a regular basis(I can think of only two and I've been here most of my life) This is just a bad idea.

fatlazyless · 03-19-2009, 08:32 AM

Yes, it's certainly true that the local hills combined with narrow shoulder lanes are a challenge to bicyclers. Isn't that all the more reason to utilize the state owned, railroad right-of-way and turn it into an incredibly scenic, waterfront, public use, bicycle-walking path.

Once it get's built, how popular will it be, and how long will it be in use......10-20-50-100 years?

Bicycling up a hill is indeed very strenuous. Bicycling along a mostly flat, waterfront scenic trail, without the danger of cars & trucks is much more appealing so all the more reason to build it. Good bicycles can be found at yard sales for low prices, and can last for many years. A decent bike can cost from $25 used, to $1000 for the new, light weight, skinny machines. Build a local wow trail and it could attract plenty to come use it.

Twelve feet is the standard width for a New Hampshire automobile lane, and is also the proposed width for the wow trail which would have two-way traffic, as I understand. Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts, have bicycle-walking paths on both sides of the Charles River that run out to Watertown, about 12 miles away, and these paths seem to be 12' wide or less. It all works ok even with some very heavy use at times.

03-19-2009, 08:32 AM	#3
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 9,174 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 310 Thanked 1,103 Times in 812 Posts	Yes, it's certainly true that the local hills combined with narrow shoulder lanes are a challenge to bicyclers. Isn't that all the more reason to utilize the state owned, railroad right-of-way and turn it into an incredibly scenic, waterfront, public use, bicycle-walking path. Once it get's built, how popular will it be, and how long will it be in use......10-20-50-100 years? Bicycling up a hill is indeed very strenuous. Bicycling along a mostly flat, waterfront scenic trail, without the danger of cars & trucks is much more appealing so all the more reason to build it. Good bicycles can be found at yard sales for low prices, and can last for many years. A decent bike can cost from $25 used, to $1000 for the new, light weight, skinny machines. Build a local wow trail and it could attract plenty to come use it. Twelve feet is the standard width for a New Hampshire automobile lane, and is also the proposed width for the wow trail which would have two-way traffic, as I understand. Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts, have bicycle-walking paths on both sides of the Charles River that run out to Watertown, about 12 miles away, and these paths seem to be 12' wide or less. It all works ok even with some very heavy use at times. __________________ .... Banned for life from local thrift store!

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03-19-2009, 06:33 AM	#2
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,937 Thanks: 349 Thanked 1,708 Times in 602 Posts	What could be uglier than 5 miles of chain link fence......not just in front of SDS,but the entire western shore of Paugus Bay?This is a foolhardy idea that should have been scrapped as soon as the fence requirement became known.Because of the hilly terrain,there are few bike enthusiasts in the lakes region,while there are thousands of snowmobilers who will now have access to the lake restricted. Stop for a moment and quickly name all of the people that you know that ride bikes on a regular basis(I can think of only two and I've been here most of my life) This is just a bad idea.