Police Look to Make Trails as Safe As Possible

As a cyclist, Canton police officer Mark Selander sees the Farmington River Trail as a great asset to the town.

“It’s a nice trail,” Selander said. “They did a good job on it.”

But Selander and others in the department also know the hazards the trail can prevent, especially in seven areas where it crosses or runs along public roadways.

And since a newer section from Route 179 to Best Cleaners was completed this summer, police have devoted more time to education and enforcement.

The department is looking to make its presence known on the trails whenever possible, Police Chief Christopher Arciero said.

One action during the summer was use of a portable trailer to warn motorists to slow down for the crosswalk on Maple Avenue.

In addition, when time allows, Selander and Sgt. Tyson Deloy patrol by bicycle.

During one recent week, Selander and a fellow officer took some time on Maple Avenue and Route 179 using a hand-held radar unit to track motorists. On Maple Avenue, several were spotted going 50 miles an hour or more through the 35-mile-an-hour section. In just one hour, 11 motorists were pulled over and given verbal warnings.

The next day on Route 179, police also stopped several motorists, again giving mostly verbal warnings.

The goal is to raise awareness and change habits, Selander said.

“We want to slow people down,” Selander said. “If they slow down, they can react better. We’re trying to change people’s driving patterns.”  

But the education initiative goes well beyond the motorists. Trail users can also follow techniques and show care to ensure safety, police said.

For example, Selander said people should make sure to hit the button for the flashing warning lights at Maple and Route 179. And at all locations pedestrians have the right of way if one foot is in the crosswalk when a motorist approaches.

But as many trail users know, those motorists don’t always comply, making for a potentially dangerous situation.

“Just don’t walk in the crosswalk anticipating that person’s going to stop,” Selander said

Selander said he tries to educate users on other safety features. He for example, feels cyclists should always wear helmets.

“I’m a strong proponent of the helmet at any age,” Selander said.

Other trail issues are also being looked at as well. One area of concern is brush that can obscure sightlines for motorists and trail users.

In one area, a business owner in the area of Canton Springs agreed to cut back some brush, which helped greatly, Arciero said.

Another issue of concern is the bollards – or metal posts that are often placed where a trail intersects a road. They prevent vehicles from driving on the trail but Arciero said the town is looking to ensure emergency vehicles can get through if necessary.

“We’re trying to hit this from all different angles,” Arciero said. “We want to maximize the safety concerns of everyone involved.” 

Arciero has applied for a $5,000 Department of Transportation grant that would fund an increased trail presence as well as many education initiatives. The department is still waiting to hear if the grant has been awarded. Arciero said he also applied for a Canton Community Health Fund grant that would have funded helmet purchases. It was not granted this year but the chief said he would try for it again.

And Arciero said he will put an officer on a bike when staffing levels allow it.

“When we have the ability to staff it, we’ll enhance those efforts,” Arciero said.

Selander said residents appreciate the presence.

“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback,” Selander said

Selander has some other tips for trail users as well, no matter where they are. They include:

• Use crosswalks correctly
• Know the course
• Have a cellphone
• Bring a form of identification
• If you sense any danger turn back
• Leave your car locked and valuables out of sight
• Use common sense – such as walking with a partner during early morning or late evening hours.
• Talk to doctor before exercising.