Monday, August 18, 2008

I was saddened to read about the havoc being caused out west by the riders of all-terrain vehicles using public trails that ban such vehicles [" 'Off-Road Rage' Climbs as Trails Get More Crowded," news story, Aug. 12].

But the problem doesn't exist only out west in rural areas. I was injured on the Henson Creek Trail in Oxon Hill in a collision with an ATV there illegally. I was riding my bicycle on a Saturday afternoon with friends when an ATV sped around a blind corner and plowed into our group. I was in front and suffered the brunt of the collision. My bicycle was damaged, and I spent several days nursing scrapes and bruises. This occurred just a few yards away from a sign that read "Motorized Vehicles Prohibited." The ATV rider, a man in his late 30s or early 40s, didn't stick around to see if anyone was hurt.

Recklessness and blatant disregard for rules are not limited to rural western ranges but occur even in our area. ATV riders need to understand the potential danger of their illegal actions to other trail users.

STANLEY A. COUSINS

Laurel