Orting News Answer Poll

Comment #54: who else would regulate it if the city doesn't?

Comment #53: I am a trail user but I have seen too many near misses when trail users do not obey stop signs on the trail.

Comment #52: Yes - before some road-raged driver decided to kill some poor guy/girl on a bicycle. However, considering this is Orting, jail could offer a school for inmates so offenders could earn their GED's while incarcerated!

Comment #51: Yes - before some road-raged driver decided to kill some poor guy/girl on a bicycle. However, considering this is Orting, jail could offer a school for inmates so offenders could earn their GED's while incarcerated!

Comment #50: Yes the city should be involved especially within city limits. But I do not believe that should mean writing tickets or patrolling the trail with police. Does it really make sense for cyclists to stop at every stop sign when you can see for hundreds of yards that the intersection is clear? On that same note cyclists should always yield to cars that are in the process of turning especially if their turn signal is on. Pedestrians or runners should always have the right of way stop sign or not. Common sense is strange thing because it is not so common so what is needed is some basic common courtisey. It is really irritating to me that when we have societal issues all people ask for is more command and control and third party enforcement. Do we really need to spend our valuable tax dollars having police patrol these trails? Lets all walkers, bicyclers and especially motorists respect each others right to exist, care for each other, and police ourselves. How much time is lost by the car to wait for a walker or cyclist? You tell me motorists cannot wait 10 to 15 seconds for them to pass? Must be some kind of important person to have be somewhere so quickly.

Comment #49: I would like the City to work with the county to fix a couple of the bad intersections, the worst intersection is the one entering the North end of the Safeway parking lot. And it would also help to have a center line down the trail. I've been a bicycle commuter in Orting for over twenty years, and compared to other cities along my commute I've always felt that the drivers and me have got along exceedingly well. Maybe this is because I have a highly developed survival instinct. What it comes down to is common courtesy, if a cyclist wants to ride the trail on the weekend they should slow down and smell the roses, because there well be families with their dogs, and little future cyclist out on their bikes with training wheels. For you runners, cyclists, and walkers plugged into your IPOD please stay to the side of the trail because you have chosen to ignore anybody that is coming up from behind you and you are a hazard. For you drivers who stop by the Eagles hall almost without fail when I'm stopped at the crosswalk thank you. The bicyclists who have a need for speed and who drive to Orting on the weekends to ride are the cause of this tension between the folks who live in the communities along the trail. A possible solution would be signs along the North end of the trail, and in the parking lots by the park in town advising cyclist of high pedestrian traffic on weekends, with a posted cyclist speed limit that advises cyclists to use the shoulder of the road through town. This will solve the stop sign running issue, and will make the walkers and folks with children on the trail more comfortable. As for people who are going to throw things at people, and swerve at them, this are the same people that tailgate you, and swerve in and out of traffic on the freeway.

Comment #48: You bet if it is in the city limits.

Comment #47: I'd rather have the cyclists on the trail than on the highway. Why are they riding on the highway - Must be too cool for the trail, or maybe they don't want to stop for the signs. In a hurry I guess. Real men don't ride bikes with those sissy outfits anyway.

Comment #46: I'd rather have the cyclists on the trail than on the highway. Why are they riding on the highway - Must be too cool for the trail, or maybe they don't want to stop for the signs. In a hurry I guess. Real men don't ride bikes with those sissy outfits anyway.

Comment #45: I am amazed by some of the hateful comments that are spewing out of our little "Redneck Utopia" here at the bottom of the hill. I am apalled by some of the posts that people have left on the Orting New's Facebook page regarding this topic. I hope that when people see that loser who caries extra drinks in her car to throw at cyclists, they let her know what an a$$hat she is. I would like to hope we have better people in Orting than that. I think a little common courtesy is all that is needed from everyone, as the person who posted comment #13 points out. Bikes, joggers, and walkers should yield to cars when appropriate, while cars and trucks should do the same in return. The existence of the trail through town is a great benefit to the businesses in Orting, especially during the fair weather months. I am sure that the last thing they want to do is force people away. It's a mulit-use trail, and for those of us that use it, we love it! Be considerate of others while you are out there. When a cyclist calls out before passing you, they are just warning you they are passing by. They don't want to hit or startle you as they silently slip by. When a runner comes by, and you are walking 4 abreast, have some consideration and give her a little room on the trail too. Walk your dogs on a leash that is short enough that they aren't on one side of the trail while you are on the other, and please, pick up their poo. Use caution at the crosswalks, and yield, or stop when appropriate. For cars, this is before the marked crosswalk, not in it. A little common sense, and courtesy is all that is needed. Can't we all just get along?

Comment #44: somebody NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING before the damn bicyclists are killed. they run thru thosae stop signs with no regard for their safety nor that they put the car driver in the terrible position of killing one. i for one yell at them but they ignore me or give me the finger. it has to stop. i have called Pierce County and Orting police. Everybody know its a proble. a few tickets issued and just a little police or other official presence would help. or just give them speed bumps at the intersections. gus churchiill high ceders. oh and many of us here have almost hit them on one or more occsions.

Comment #43: bicycles not stopping for road signs is not a trail problem, but a highway safety law and should be enforced by the local law enforcement

Comment #42: Bicyclists are supposed to obey the same rules as motorist's by Washington State Law. Therefore Police are obliged to enforce this law...by writing tickets to ALL traffic offenders. This includes Licensed Motorists who do not stop at crosswalks for pedestrians. These pedestrians include bicyclists who dismount their bikes at a crosswalk. These same crosswalks are on Bridge Street at the Eagles Hall, on Calistoga by the park, and then again at the Safeway, McDonald's, Orting Middle School, Ptarmigan Ridge, etc...etc... Not to mention all the other crosswalks in the City. Orting Police use discretion everyday out there on the job...I Support the Mayor in delegating the Peoples Will and that is for the Police to enforce the law...by writing tickets to offenders on both sides of the street. This does not even begin to address more important issues like all the negligent homeowners whose houses and properties here are like rats nests. This is in my opinion the most disturbing misuse of office here is the complete neglect on the part of the whole City Administration...CLEAN IT UP! Yes there is a problem with bicycles. Orting is a sort of Mecca for it and for that we should be really thankful. This Trail is the best thing that ever happened to Orting. Working WITH the trails will open up golden opportunities for all who endeavor to make Orting a better place to live and work. In todays society, man and woman are so hurried because of the proximity to work and home. In our materialist world we are short on TIME! Everyone is in a hurry. We need to make Orting a better place to live and WORK! People sign an unwritten deal when they take a job far from home...and that is that their quality of home life will be decreased...so to speak the ball is back in thier court. Nobody said you have to be in a hurry...so it should be encouraged to work closer to home...maybe ride a bike to work??? So to add to the comments above...in my opinion that this is a two way street here...motorists must obey the law too just like bicyclists. Police need to let it be known that just because Orting is a great place to ride bicycles does not mean that cyclists can just ignore all else...Like Mardi Gras on "Cops"...those cops don';t care if your a tourist just out having a good time...the way they see it is that "Hey this is our city, and we have to live here...it is our citizens who pay for this wonderful place so were gonna take care of it"..the law is the law. Stop passing legislation unless we intend on enforcing it. But remember, enforcement is a 360 degree wheel. If Pierce County does not want to be a partner, then they need to give the park to the city so it can be a place where we all can enjoy. Shame on whoever stands in the way of Unity.

Comment #41: Inside city limits, its a no brain er... Rules & Regulations have been put on the Foothills Trail for a reason. The real question should be; When is the city going to do something about the Drugs in our school district? Anyone with children in this school district, who actually talks to them about the aforementioned subject and cares about those responses, should be asking this same question.

Comment #40: I concur with comment below, yes R&R have been put in place for a reason. We need to address the issue of drugs in our school. What the heck do we do?

Comment #39: Inside city limits, its a no brain er... Rules & Regulations have been put on the Foothills Trail for a reason. The real question should be; When is the city going to do something about the Drugs in our school district? Anyone with children in this school district, who actually talks to them about the aforementioned subject and cares about those responses, should be asking this same question.

Comment #38: anything outside of the city limits is a county issue, but if there is an issue inside the city limits then yes.

Comment #37: It is a county trail that goes through the city. City officials should work with the county on concerns.

Comment #36: I think the city should be involved with the rules on the trail. after reading blogs and articles of peoples encounters with the yuppy spandex wearin road bike riders, enough is enough. there have been many times i have been enjoying a day on the trail with my 3 yr old daughter and these non-courteous riders just go buzzin by like they are doin the stp or somethin. one of these days somebody is gonna get hurt and who is gonna be held responsible?

Comment #35: The city, police and whoever and whatever it takes to make the trails safe for everyone!!

Comment #34: I DONT KNOW!

Comment #33: Much ado about nothing,,,one citizen complained & we are worried the sky is falling...the cars turning in off 162 aren't gonna be going fast enough to kill anyone imo..just bust a few bones, that'll quiet the issue for a while

Comment #32: within the city limits

Comment #31: It is a county park and the city should keep out of county issues.

Comment #30: I think not, unless the city is contractually obligated to provide regulation for the Foothill Trails, which extend outside of the city limits, then it is the obligation of the county or greater jurisdiction to provide funding for such activity.

Comment #29: Whatever happened to common sense? Both sides of the issue need to think of whats best for safe operations of both cars and bikes. Folks who think they are above the safety rules need to pay the price for education. Hopefully with a fine and not their body.

Comment #28: As long as police harassment does not become the norm.

Comment #27: Yes, pretaining to that part of the trail within the City limits.

Comment #26: It comes through our city and someone should enforce the rules.

Comment #25: In city limits, someone should regarding speed of "Lance Armstrong-types" If a child ever swerves in front of one of these riders, it will not be pretty. Myself, last summer I almost was hit when I was startled by a bike zooming up from behind.

Comment #24: They should get tickets for running stop signs

Comment #23: Not only yes, but HELL YES

Comment #22: no stay away from it.

Comment #21: Within city limits. Bicylists are all the time going through the stop signs at the entrance to Whitehawk Sub. Hopefully it doesn't take a death to make bicyclists realize that they don't have the right away. However, if I'm not mistaken, pedestrians do have the right away.

Comment #20: Yes they should enforce Foothill Trail rules and regulations as a matter of public safety, but ONLY within their jurisdiction--Orting city limits. I imagine most of the problems being discussed are not just the breaking of "Foothill Trail" rules, but laws in regards to pedestrians and vehicles. Public safety falls under the duties of Orting Police Officers. If there are issues outside of city limits, it would then be up to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department to handle.

Comment #19: When I go walking I feel like I have to have a mirror on my shoulders.most of the bikers on the path almost hit you.If I have someone who let's you know that they are behind you they scream at you and scare you so bad that you jump.The bicyclists need to know were the ones walking we don't have a fast weapon coming at them.It's for walkers too not just bikes.

Comment #18: Yes. Inside the city limits. I've almost been hit several times pulling out of Whitehawk Blv. I stop further back and then watch to make sure it doesn't happen.

Comment #17: YES, within city limits and most definitely regarding cyclists, joggers, walkers and idiots who blow through stop signs. Betcha there will be a new tax if the city does get involved. And by the way, I can't wait to see what that new landscaping is going to look like after the Daffodil Parade.

Comment #16: I say lets blame the Mayor! I'm sure nothing will be done at all and next time she runs for mayor she will talk about all the change she will bring, and then never happens! We need something to happen with this issue otherwise I will need to get a cow catcher place on my car!

Comment #15: This is a recreational trail. Unless someone is hurt or worst then we should ignore the ignorant and go on with our life as we see fit. You only make of it what you want, do not let poeple bother you because they are showing there immaturity.

Comment #14: They can't even manage their own budget. Why the hell would we want any of them on the trail trying to enforce something called 'recreation'. People need to take matters into their own hands, and if some rude SOB feels above the law, we need to make sure that that feeling he or she is exuding is quickly corrected in a suitable message delivered at the point of infraction. If I piss them off and they don't come back to town, we all win because the rude SOB can ride someplace else. They're sure as hell not coming here to shop like the City wants us to believe...I mean a million dollars to widen the street just to get rid of parking spots and spending who the hell knows how much on what I am sure the Mayor would call landscaping totally cures me of thinking the City - as an entity of enforcement - is about as laughable as the Mayor's campaign promises of reaching out to us all on something other than that eye-sore poorly lit readerboard.

Comment #13: As a bicyclist and a member of the community, I must say that I am not surprised by the comments the people of Orting have left here. There are a number of cyclists that blow through town with blatant disregard at the intersections along the trail. I know some of them. I have been know to run or ride my bike along the trail, as well as the streets in the area. There are many at fault here. When bicycling on the street, I have been swerved at, sworn at, and have had things thrown at me. When riding along the trail, cars blow through the crosswalk on the trail irregardless of whether or not a cyclist, or jogger is waiting (the law states that a car stop before the crosswalk, not in it; Just in case you forgot). If a cyclist, or pedestrian is stopped at the crosswalk, and you have the right of way, he'll wait. Don't stop and wave him through. He probably needs a break or a drink, and you will just upset the impatient driver coming from the other direction with your courtesy, but thanks for the thoughtful gesture just the same. I for one do not want the city to impose a bunch of new unnecessary rules for the trail. If the city does begin to actually enforce the laws that we do have, then it should be enforced for cyclists, pedestrians, and automobiles alike. Our town is home to a great multi-use trail, but common courtesy is overshadowed by our society's "Me First" attitude. Everyone needs to obey the laws, and trail-users need to work on some etiquette. Share, be courteous, and pick up your dog's poo!!! Have a nice day, and don't be a hater.

Comment #12: yes the city should inforce the stop signs, but who will enforce the stop signs outside of the city limits as we have already had a biker run into our truck.. The bikers have also disregarded the county mower that keeps the grass and such cut along the trail. Do we have to have someone badly injured before something is done.. We now have trucks on the trail since the post have been removed at our crossing.

Comment #11: If the city don't, the civilians will. I think they call that vigalante (sp). I believe someone will get hurt if they don't have to obey laws too. Who decides that half the people have to follow the rules and the other half don't? Show that one to me in your law enforcement manual.

Comment #10: Not only yes, but HELL YES!Some of the bikers are so rude..some almost dare you to pull your vehicle forward when you have the right of way..they refuse to stop..I don't appreciate being swore at and the hand gestures are awful! It would be nice also if people wore clothing so you could see them.. a lady with a dog almost got hit by me..she had no light and all of her clothing was dark and so was the dog..if I hadn't noticed her pull back on the leash out of the corner of my eye after coming off of 162 in the dark of night she and her dog may not be alive today! If people would obey the law this would be easy, but since so many people feel that they are above the rules, obviously the city needs to step in!

Comment #9: First of all not all intersections have the wrong signs. A lot of them have the lights; you know walk and don’t walk. This is just another case of the tax payers getting nothing for their money. The police and the city need to do the job we pay for! If they won’t do something, we should do something about them! I hate driving across 162 into my housing area. The main reason is the people on the trail ride out right if front of me. So I have to stop in the middle of the road because somebody on a bike can’t wait for the light. One of these days somebody will be hit by an on coming car because of this problem. Then who is to blame?

Comment #8: Somebody has to.

Comment #7: The City has a responsibilty to the people to make traffic laws enforceble by the police! Who knew the police of this city can't enforce the traffic laws on the trail? Isn't the trail part of the city within the city limits?

Comment #6: Absolutely not... If the geniuses of the Orting City Council have any say, there will be golf carts all over the trail.

Comment #5: The problem is the STOP signs are "vehicle" stop signs and not "pedestrian" stop signs and therefore not enforcable per Chief of Police William Drake. He has sited state RCW's 46.61.235 & 46.61.755 to support the city's/police departments position for being unable to enforce the stop signs. Silly or not, it appears to be the law. The "rule and regulations" for the trail I would assume are not enforcable as they are not city ordinance and just "suggestions" to be safe. It appears to me, at this point, that they are unwilling to do anything. Pressure must be applied to the City Council & Mayor to even possibly be effective. It really is a shame that a large quantity of citizens will be required to even budge the city government into action on such an obvious problem, one that the Mayor, by her own admission, has been affected by!!

Comment #4: If you are driving a car and come upon a stop sign you are required by law to stop, if you go through it and are caught you get a ticket, so why is it that cyclists and pedestrians on the trail don't have to stop at the stop sign. I know when I am walking my dog or my kids are on the trail they stop and look both ways before crossing. I don't stop for anyone anymore that runs the Trails Stop Sign I have the right of way they do not. The thing that makes it even worse is the fact we have a turn lane into our community and they flip us off if we don't stop. HOW RUDE Someone needs to start handing out tickets.

Comment #3: It is a life safety issue so yest the police should be involved.

Comment #2: At least enforcing the stop signs that are posted for the trail traffic...scary how cyclists etc. blow right through the intersections.

Comment #1: Within city limits, yes