I would like to get support in opening the recreational path that travels through Dow junction, (considered by some, one of the most dangerous sections of highway in the world) connecting Eagle Vail to West Vail in the winter months. Currently it is only open for the non-snow months. This is the only safe way for people commuting to get from one side of Dowd Junction to the other. The only other way is for commuters to travel in the winter is by getting on the Interstate 70 and using the shoulder that is snow covered and inhibited by very large snowplows.
I just can't under stand this. The world is currently working on being green, I believe a large part of this movement is cutting down on the amount of fuel we use. One way to do this is by commuting on Bicycle. More and more people are using their bicycle for green travel, and a safe route is necessary.
I have talked to people in the Vail, CO. community and the consensus was that the reasons for the recreational path not being maintained and locked off for the winter months are:
Elk Migration
The Path runs along side the highway and apparently the Commuters scare the elk, and the automobiles, big rigs and snowplows don't. Hmmm, it just doesn't make sense to me? There has to be another way to assist the elk in their travels across the path without commuters scaring them.
Maintenance cost
This is a major way to becoming more green in the Vail Valley and there needs to be something worked out. Maybe donations, Vail covering the cost, the town of Vail adding this into its costs? I don't know?
Here is a story of a Vail local, amazing person, and bike racing legend named Mike Janelle. Mike did not have a car and would commute by bicycle everywhere he went, year round. He lived in Avon and worked as a ski/snowboard instructor sometimes having to commute to Vail to teach lessons. As I explained earlier, the only way to Vail is by getting on the highway (I70) and riding in the shoulder. One-day mike was doing so and a snowplow ran into him throwing him of the rode nearly killing him. He did make it to work that day, but not without major bruises and being very shaken up. If only the path was maintained he would have been on it and this near death experience would not have happened. Mike is no longer with us as he passed 1 year ago due to acute heart failure. If we could get this path opened in the winter months I would like to see this done so in his honor.
Mike I will never forget you Bro. Peace!
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