In regards to the letter Sept. 9, Let Dogs Run Free Again on Rivers Trail. I have walked my dog off leash by Aviation Road rivers trail for eight years. Seven days a week I walk that trail. In doing so I see a cyclist maybe once a week. There are hundreds of dogs and people walking every week.

Kenna Cartwright Park and Peterson Creek Park are both recommended by the City for cyclists and remain off-leash areas. Cyclists have many places to bike including the Bike Ranch.

As a business professional and taxpayer I find it very inconsiderate for the City to go ahead, put two signs up and deem the area a leashed trail.

The Ord Road dog park is the only designated off-leash area in Brock. In the summer when it is 30-plus it’s too hot to take the dogs there; this is not a place where you can go for a walk. There are far more dogs and dog owners using this area of the trail than cyclists.

I’m in full agreement with Mr. Mullen that we use this trail all year long. I suggest Kilometre 10–18 be off leash. Rivers Trail is 40 kilometres — we are asking for eight of those to be off leash.

Personally I have always been very considerate of cyclists and runners. I have my dogs sit at the side of the trail until they have passed. When I questioned the signs I was told by a bylaw officer that there was a complaint from a cyclist, that they did not feel safe with the dogs being off leash.

If that’s the case they should be more concerned about the bears and snakes that live along the trail. Furthermore I highly doubt this person uses this area of trail on a daily basis as I do. There is a petition circulating; the support to keep this area off leash is abundant.

C. NEWTON

Kamloops