francisrowland
commented
4 years ago With a bit of adaptation, runner and riders could perhaps adapt the concept employed by this Italian gentleman: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/coronavirus-latest-news-italy-man-circle-social-distancing-rome-a9399081.html
Runners and riders are perhaps a bit quicker than him, and trails not always so wide (see above). One adaptation could be to have an ellipsoid cardboard distancing device, elongated front and back. Bells and even lights could be attached to either end.
Be there with bells on
1) Runners and bikers are endangering people on narrow nature trails, increasingly crowded with young kids who can't possibly understand the dangers. Runners need to be wearing bells on their shoes, and bikers need to be putting cow bells on the bikes. Cow bell is already standard courtesy here in Santa Barbara, simply to avoid injuries. Now it should be practiced everywhere that visibility is low (winding trails), trails are crowded, and especially on mountains, and at peak times. One runner almost bowled over my youngling yesterday and even in a non pandemic I would have been angry. People need to understand that distancing needs to be practiced everywhere possible. I understand this will lead to noisier trails overall and that saddens me. But the alternative is unthinkable. Don't go out buying bells if you already have them in your Christmas decorations. [Great idea c/o Pazkwali]
Trailhead signage is needed
Some people still don't understand. We need signage at trail heads making sure they do
Widen the trails
3) Especially in areas close to large numbers of children whose schools are closed, for safety, widening the trails is prudent