INC NEWS - American Tobacco Trail Hours Now Extended

[RW Pickle]

from the City of Durham PR Dept.

RWP
27 Beverly

 
American Tobacco Trail Hours Now Extended
Multiple Requests and Increased Use of ATT By Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Prompts Change
 
Durham, N.C. – On Monday, December 5, 2005, the Durham Parks and
Recreation Department (DPR) will extend the hours of the American Tobacco
Trail from dawn to dusk to 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.
 
As commuter usage of the American Tobacco Trail (ATT) grows, particularly
now with the new connection along Cornwallis Rd. from the ATT into
Research Triangle Park and from the ATT to the Downtown Trail into
northern Durham, commuters are accessing the trail more during morning and
evening hours.
 
“We want citizens to continue to view the American Tobacco Trail as a
commuter alternative and to make maximum use of Durham’s resources,” said
Darrell Crittendon, director of DPR. “The extended hours will give bikers
and pedestrians the flexibility to use this City resource more during the
fall and winter when dusk arrives earlier.”  Crittendon, as DPR director,
is authorized by City Code to set hours for the use of City facilities
under its management, which includes the ATT.
 
The ATT hours have been extended due to multiple requests from citizens to
extend the hours beyond the dawn to dusk timeframe due to daylight savings
time and its effect during winter months. To ensure  maximum safety for
bicycle and pedestrian commuters on the trail during morning or evening
darkness, bicyclists must adhere to the State’s General Statute 20-129
which requires that “every bicycle shall be equipped with a lighted lamp
visible up to three hundred feet in front
and a tail light or rear
reflector that is red and visible for up to two hundred feet from the
rear.”
 
The Durham Police Department (DPD) will continue to monitor the ATT for
safety throughout the extended usage hours.  The DPD has the authority to
ticket persons on the trail outside of the new usage hours or bicyclists
not adhering to the lighting requirement.  Citizens can learn more about
trail safety by visiting the City’s website at
http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/parks/safety.cfm.
 
About Durham Parks and Recreation Department
Durham Parks and Recreation is Durham's source for creative and
challenging recreational choices.  This department strives to help
citizens discover, explore, and enjoy life through creative and
challenging recreational choices that contribute to their physical,
emotional, and social health.  Citizens interested in learning more about
planning healthy, fun, and quality activities for themselves and their
families should visit the City’s website at
http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/parks/.