To: Watershed News Media
Date: August 6, 2010
Kingston - For safety and environmental reasons, the use of bicycles at Lemoine Point Conservation Area has been limited to specific trails and service roads.
"This conservation area is for quiet rest and the contemplation of nature," explains Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) Conservation Lands Coordinator Robert Gerritsen. "While recreation is important, certain uses such as cycling, are creating conflicts between users."
This new policy was established in consultation with the Friends of Lemoine Point and the Lemoine Point Advisory Committee of the CRCA. According to Mr. Gerritsen, its policy is to minimize trail user conflicts.
"Fortunately we've only had some near misses to date," says Mr. Gerritsen.
He notes that on most trails hiking and biking at the same time are incompatible for safety reasons. The trails are too narrow to accommodate both uses.
"The public is encouraged to cycle to Lemoine Point, but once there, to enjoy the trails on foot," says Mr. Gerritsen.
He notes that three bicycle racks have been installed at key locations where the cycling trails meet the hiking trails.
"Cycling continues to be permitted on the main north-south service road and the service roads leading to the two bathrooms," says Mr. Gerritsen. "Where it is permitted, cyclists are encouraged to share the trail and yield the right of way to all other users."
For more information about the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, visit the website www.cataraquiregion.on.ca or call (613) 546-4228 ext. 500 or toll free 1-877-956-CRCA (2722).
(Click here to view a map of Lemoine Point Conservation Area.)
Media contacts:
Stephen Knechtel, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer (613) 546-4228 ext. 239
Karla Maki-Esdon, Communications Coordinator (613) 546-4228 ext. 226
Toll-free (613 area code) 1-877-956-CRCA (2722)