Jog trails, ATVs do not mix

Luciano Battistini

As I go into my regular jogging adventures, I usually enjoy nice scenery running along a nearby bayou where I live.

In just a few months, I’ve run into turtles, deer, rabbits, all kinds of wild birds and, one time, I even ran across a pack of small coyotes howling at passing sirens.

Even though I do not stray very far from home, I tend to connect with nature during these little escapades.

I try to focus on the jog, block away the pain and try to stay hydrated. It’s a chance for me to clear my head, stay in shape and relieve some stress.

But lately, I’ve run into a few individuals whose idea of recreation is recklessly driving four-wheel All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and dirt bikes during my exercise time.

They show up in walk trails sputtering their engines, lifting dirt and breaking the peace and quite sounds of nature.

Now don’t get me wrong. I enjoy driving those things too, but I usually ride them in the countryside, where they are meant for usage, not in between neighborhood trails.

There’s nothing more rude and annoying than running into a cloud of dirt and smoke trailing from a dirt bike while jogging in 90-degree weather.

Neighboring subdivisions have all placed “No motorized vehicle” signs along their trails, but these bravados are still violating the rules and, worst of all, ruining my jogs.

One thing I’ve noticed about the drivers is that they keep getting younger and younger. I’ve seen kids as young six years of age riding four-wheelers at near 30 mph.

One time, one of these kids jump out of a field and right in front of my car while I was driving forcing me to stop a few feet short of hitting him.

Not only is this dangerous for them, but it is also making them lazy.

When I was a kid, we didn’t have motorized vehicles. We had to transport ourselves in bicycles, skateboards, or our own two feet. The exercise was great.

Now, it seems some parents are teaching their kids to sit on their obese-prone butts, waste fuel that could otherwise be use for more productive things and put in as little effort as possible when mobilizing.

Is this how we want to raise our future leaders? Let’s give them roller-skates instead and let ATVs be used by those who truly need them.

Besides, I’d hate to have to start jogging on a treadmill.

Source: http://www.katytimes.com/articles/2009/06/30/opinion/editorials/doc4a4a578bee99a022010639.txt

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites