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| Annie endorses this message |
A week or so ago, I noted two signs in the Frank Ortiz Dog Park, both located in the main parking area, indicating no bicycling allowed on the dog park land. I contacted the city Parks and Recreation Dept, which authorized the signage. P&R put me in contact with the Dog Park Project.
Turns out there have been some recent and unpleasant interactions between bicyclists, dogs, and dog people. In one, mentioned to me by a pair of dog walkers, a bicyclist dressed down a dog person because the person's dog was off leash; the cyclist apparently not aware that this is a leash-optional park. In another case mentioned by the Dog Park Project, a bicyclist kicked a dog that ran up to and possibly interfered with the bicyclist.
I've been in contact with the Dog Park Project on this and endorse the restrictions. Bicycling among numerous off leash dogs belonging to other people can lead to unintended and potentially harmful consequences to both dogs and riders. There is no reason to risk this as there is a vast bike park, La Tierra Trails, just a stone's throw away and in fact trail access to La Tierra Trails is available just to the north, across Camino de las Crucitas, from the smaller dog park parking lot.
So the signage and restrictions are not to guard anyone's turf, but a prudent safety precaution. Please observe these controls. There are many, many great places for off road riding in and around Santa Fe. The Dog Park is not one of them. Thanks.
