Long before it was referred to as the Rivers Trail between the airport and the South Thompson River, it was known as the dike, and I have walked my dogs there for 40 years. I approached Dr. Sharon Frissell when she was a City councillor, and asked her to come for a walk with me on the dike, and asked her to see if it could become a part of the Kamloops trail system.

When we walked the trail out as far the now-16 km. marker, she asked me what I wanted to see in future, and I said a leash-free area for people to walk their dogs, and allow dogs and owners to socialize with others. I suggested, too, that a sign be posted at the windbreak trees near the now-12.5 km. mark, indicating “you are here.”

Since it is now known as the Rivers Trail, we see hundreds of people a week from all over Kamloops using the trail — walkers, runners, handicapped, horses, cyclists, bird watchers, swimmers and sun bathers.

All I have spoken to remark on what a wonderful place it is. The dedicated dog walkers are out every day whether it is summer or winter, and I know the number of people using the trails declines drastically when the temperature drops to -15 and the wind is blowing.

What I would like to know is, why, after so many years that we have been walking our dogs off leash, we are now seeing signs that we are to leash our dogs. The Kenna Cartwright park is off-leash, and cyclists and dogs co-exist there, yet it seems that the Rivers Trail where we have a long history of it being an off-leash area because some cyclists (who will not be on the trail when the weather turns a trifle cool) are upset that some dogs bark when they pedal by.

I have been shocked at the speeds at which some of these cyclists pass me while I am walking on the trail, certainly in excess of 30 kms. /hr. while it is posted as a shared pathway. I would like City council (in their wisdom) to take another look at our Rivers Trail and take out the leash signs. They are not necessary, and will hinder our enjoyment of a wonderful resource.

I have met people on the trail from all over B.C. who congratulate our City’s wisdom in having such a tremendous area so close to the centre of town where dogs and people can socialize without any hassles. Kelowna residents who have been here on the trail are astounded that the city is so dog-friendly compared to the limited areas they have that are leash free.

BUD MULLEN

Kamloops