Recent mountain biking accident reminds of trail sign importance

After a crash weeks ago in Clear Creek, county o cials remind people to check posted signs and warnings

BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A recent biking accident on the Sluice Trail in Clear Creek is a harrowing reminder for people engaging in recreational outdoor activities in the county to pay attention to and heed posted trail signs.

A 17-year-old was in an accident on April 10 on the Sluice Trail in Clear Creek while mountain biking with his father. According to reporting from 9 News, the father believes his son tried to swerve to miss two hikers on the biking-only trail and crashed, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.

Clear Creek recreation facility manager Jon Butcher said the county had e orts to increase trail signage underway even before the accident.

He explained that “social trails,” or paths people create o the main designated trails, could be responsible for hikers being on the bike trail. “ ere are some social trails, not designated trails, that intersect the Sluice,” Butcher said.

According to the Clear Creek County Sheri ’s O ce, the event is still under investigation and no charges have been led.

Undersheri John Stein explained that there can be legal consequences for not following posted signage on trails.

“If someone violates a posted sign or other rule, regulation or order issued on public property, it is usually a violation of CRS 18-9-117 e Sluice Trail is a directional mountain biking trail where bikers can reach high speeds, making it dangerous to be on the trail in other capacities, according to information from the county.

UNLAWFUL CONDUCT ON PUBLIC PROPERTY. Other o ense violations could be Reckless Endangerment (CRS 18-3-208), Assault in the ird Degree (CRS 18-3-204), or Criminal Mischief (18-4-501) for acts that like “trip wires” or nails/tacks on biking trails,” Stein stated.

Butcher went on to say that people using the trails in the county and beyond should always obey posted signs, for their safety and the safety of others.

“ ere’s a very clear trail at the bottom of the trail that says do not enter,” Butcher said. e county issued the following statement in response to the accident:

Butcher said this is the rst accident on the Sluice Trail that he has seen.

“Our thoughts and well-wishes are with the person and family involved in this accident. People come from all over the country to recreate here in Clear Creek County and we want permitted on this trail for the safety of hikers and mountain bikers. We encourage people to check signs, and online applications such as COTREX and AllTrails before heading out. On these apps, people are able to see the rules of each trail and what type of recreation is allowed on check, and even take a photo of trail maps located at kiosks before going you when it comes to directions, but also consist of the rules for each trail including what is, and is not allowed on each trail. Again, we are hoping for the best for those involved in the incident.”