Trails closing?

[Rod Smith]

Well, there’s always ducking under the “Police Line – Do Not Cross” ribbon…

[mstone]

Custis is state/county, not federal.

[Hancockbs]

This is ridiculous. I’m sure it will cost more to close it than to leave it open. What is the cost to “operate” the CCT on a daily basis? It’s not like they have gate guards or something. This is clearly an opportunity to inflict pain in the process as opposed to being somewhat rational.

[ebubar]

@Hancockbs 65481 wrote:

This is ridiculous. I’m sure it will cost more to close it than to leave it open. What is the cost to “operate” the CCT on a daily basis? It’s not like they have gate guards or something. This is clearly an opportunity to inflict pain in the process as opposed to being somewhat rational.

I concur. I’ve never seen anyone patrolling the trails and I’m on them daily for at least 2 hours commuting.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk – now Free

[TwoWheelsDC]

The “closing” of things like trails is probably due partly to liability concerns and to make it clear that if you use the trail, don’t expect it to be maintained or patrolled, or for NPS to help you out of you have a problem.

[KLizotte]

If they close the trails then wouldn’t they have to close all the fed highways too? We must insist on consistency!

[rcannon100]

Relax. There is a lot of anxiety out there.

Last time, in 1995, if it had a gate, the gate was closed. If it did not have a gate, then there was nothing to close.

So TR Island was closed. The Mall I think was technically closed…. but you could walk on it. There would just be no services. And you could not go into any of the memorials.

I recall that Skyline Drive was closed, as in the gate was closed. I do not recall what was done if they found you in the park. But then again it could be considered trespassing on federal land.

My concern is that you get the feeling that people in power are digging trenches. This could be a long one. I dont think there is any way the Administration is going to blink. So its a matter of how long until the tea party backs down.

Oh and remember, traffic levels will be down to blizzard days. AFter tomorrow morning, there wont be much (I plan on getting as many house chores done as I can)

[KLizotte]

If the shutdown lasts for days I expect the trails will be crowded like they are on weekends but the roads in downtown DC will be nice and quiet. Would be a good time to explore the city by bike.

[DismalScientist]

Actually, the question is whether the Republican leadership caves to the Tea Party or the Democrats.

The Democrats view that a shutdown will redound to their political favor. Things like trail closings and cancelling the White House Tours and Easter Egg roll may be overreach. Only time will determine the victors.

[jhr]

If the Park Police are all on furlough, traffic is low, and the trails are closed, we might have no choice but to illegally ride on a certain scenic highway.

[ShawnoftheDread]

I think WABA jumped the gun on that email and had no actual evidence, just speculation.

[Bilsko]

Shutdown is happening. We should go for a bike ride.http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics-live/liveblog/live-updates-the-shutdown-showdown/#a1ea625a-a789-4dd0-9e28-743b45323777

[PotomacCyclist]

No bathrooms on the National Mall! Panic!

[Jason B]

@jhr 65490 wrote:

If the Park Police are all on furlough, traffic is low, and the trails are closed, we might have no choice but to illegally ride on a certain scenic highway.

Highway? Under those conditions I’m eyeing a certain presidential parkway. I’m still smarting from the time I was pulled over the day they closed it to bikes.
But in all seriousness, this is terrible news, and I feel really sorry for all government workers and their families. I hope for all of you this doesn’t last and you can get back to your life as quickly as possible.

[americancyclo]

I love that this forum is the first place I find out about the shutdown and opm and my agency still say we are open.

[Author]

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