The Editor,
Re. "Four views on off-leash dogs, parks, trails and bike riders" (Letters, The Tri-City News, June 6).
I have a dog and walk those Coquitlam trails two to three times a day. I always keep my dog on leash because he doesn't have the greatest recall yet. Plus I'm scared of the bears and him running off after one.
Most bikers are very respectful and slow down at blind spots and when they pass people and dogs. But there are many that use the trail as a race track for bicycles. They are using it as a marathon training circuit. It's very scary sometimes.
But I also have encountered off-leash dogs that have become a problem for me too. Sometimes they come up so fast my dog reacts badly. If you say anything, they begin to verbally assault you. It would be better for everyone to ask if its OK for the dogs to meet before any encounter happens.
My point is only a few people who either ride bikes or let there dogs off-leash are completely ruining it for us who do follow the rules. I completely understand everyone's point of view but do not lump me into a negative category because of the actions of only a few.
Ninety per cent of my time on the trails is wonderful and filled with courteous bikers and dog owners. I couldn't ask for more than to have this beautiful nature right at my back door. Instead of just sending in such angry comments from both sides, why don't we try to educate and make more awareness on either side?
Try to solve the problem instead of just complain about it.
Anita Balch
Coquitlam
