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Show PAGE 15 the complaints continue, as something to complain about were needed and, hallelujah, the bikers provided K. In an effort to appease the complalners the "good Wry has painted Hnes on the streets. But now drivers are confused and complain even more. What are we supposed to do with these Bnes? they ask. They won't work anyway. Riders aren't penalized for riding In the street, but ill bet If we ride In the bike lanes well go to Yet JalL If . . The more malicious sprocketphobes say that the Ines are to. bunch the bikers up as easier targets. This Is not so. And, no, the Bnes are not huge picture frames to keep the kids busy this summer with graffiti. Nor are they bird lanes. There was some speculation that the symbol In the lanes looks fike the face of a great homed owL Some thought It might be a project of the recreation commission to make Moab more attractive and fun - a giant board game, perhaps, like Parch eesl, played all over town, rules to be passed out later. One rumor In circulation has It that a Drivers and Pedestrians Rights Coalition has been formed and Intends to propose to the county commission that a force of 24 bicycle "regulators be authorized with arrest power and equipped with theatrical stage hooks, clubs and handcuffs. These vigilantes would patrol the streets looking for bicycle malefactors. Their care would ed have a device on the hood with a on a telescoping arm boxing glove to nail offenders and remind them to stay In their lanes. The wheel hubs would be armed with spoke-eate- rs similar to those on the chariots of Ben Hurs rivals. Mechanical smlflng silhouettes of regulators would be positioned on the downtown sidewalks cautioning bikers not to ride there with a long arm pointing to the street. If Ignored, the silhouette pivots sharply, slaps the rider on the back of the head and returns to the original position, giving a friendly pointer to the street The regulators even want a Hit Man's Hall of Fame estabDshed to record their deeds! Moving targets and double whammies would accrue more points than stationary riders. As evidence that you cant make everyone happy, there are those who attack the bike lanes as Inadequate and unresponsive to the future evolution of the fat tire bike. Suppose,1 they say, that solar or wind-powebikes will have much larger tires and a power apparatus larger than the lanes? Seriously, all of these Ideas are ridiculous and exist only In the Imaginations of those who wish to exaggerate things. Its not going to be easy to get a handle on the problems, particularly the camping situation. And Its clear that the expense of maintaining and policing the camping areas and the activities of the campers should be borne by those who benefit from IL The question Is If a fee were Imposed In specified camping areas, how many campers would cooperate and use those areas and how many would scatter farther afield and mess up more landscape? No one wants blanket restrictions on camping. Thats a can of worms we don't want to open. Maybe well get lucky and start with measures that will work, and work to everyone's satisfaction. . by John sensenbrenner well-padd- Bikers! Who would have thought a few years ago that the Kane Creek road, Sand Flat road and up and down the River road would be wall to wall with campers? Back then the only dangers to a camper were mosquitoes and loneliness. Now, because of their astonishing numbers, they're threatened by fires, crime, sewage and most hazardous of all, their own cars - they may be bikers, but they get here by car. Here to recreate, to escape their troubles, not to make more, they're A typical group of weekenders must assume Indifferent to local problems. that camping conditions around here Just always are the way they are, and wonder why "they" dont do something about K. Of course, "they" have been here all along and watched the growth of traffic at first with applause which changed to awe and has finally matured In many cases to contempt, holding each and every biker personally responsible for the problems that have accompanied this growth. This Is certainly an unrealistic and unconstructive view of the changes. The bikers Inno intention of upsetting the local pickle barrel. dividually have had But many folks persist In looking for the occasional offender among the bikers and generalizing the few transgressions to be the behavior of them So that now we see them stereotyped and referred to derisively as all. And this derogatory characterization "sprocket heads or "granola eaters. Is caused by the few bikers who ride on the sidewalks and on the roadway . . blocking motoring traffic. There have also been a few reports from retailers of bikers ripping open blister packs and damaging merchandise with a disrespectful, arrogant attitude out of proportion with their value to the community. I've even heard that one ingenious merchant has Installed a bolt on the outside of his facilities to hold shower poachers until the sheriff arrives. In fairness Involve number of these the smallest bikers and however, few, complaints only not to should be generalized reflect on them alL red . . , Ken and Jane Sleight Pack Creek Ranicli i Dining Room 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Evening Trail Ride' Chuckwagon Supper Reservations recommended 259-550- 5 June Through August Adults - $30.00 . Children 12 & Under - $22.50 P.O. BOX 1270 MOAB, UTAH 84532 259-55- 05 r r ' ' .. fc k vvvv 1, ' ' v ' ' VV . , x- |