Some users of the popular Creek Trail in Silverthorne have expressed concerns that step-over bars meant to deter e-bikes could instead negatively impact mountain bikers, older residents and recreators with disabilities.
The Creek Trail, located near Wildernest, is a half-mile path that connects to the larger Salt Lick Trail System. According to David Boyd, a public affairs officer for the White River National Forest, a step-over bar was installed on the Creek Trail earlier this summer, along with other trail improvement work.
Wildernest resident Susan Walker said she has seen recreators of all ability levels using the trail in the past. She believes the installation of the step-over bar could prevent some of these people from using the trail moving forward.
“I’ve been hiking on those Salt Lick trails and seen many older couples with … a walking stick or a cane, even. I’ve seen a younger person with a knee brace walking to rehab,” Walker said. “Those are the kind of folks that are going to have a very hard time stepping over something thatap 18 inches high.”
Walker sits on the board of Staying in Summit, a nonprofit that advocates for Summit County’s “rapidly growing senior population,” according to the organization’s website.
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