Jan 27 2011
STOP! Or At Least SLOW DOWN!
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After encountering some crazy drivers while riding on the road, I wrote to my local newspaper… below is a letter to the Editor that was printed in Tuesday’s paper:
Dear Editor,
I am writing because my mom and I were horseback riding on Coutolenc Road in Magalia two days ago and experienced what could have been a very dangerous situation. Many cars sped by us going well above the speed limit without so much as slowing down. Because some parts of Coutolenc do not have much of a shoulder, we were forced to travel on the pavement for a short period. With the sharp curves on Coutolenc, this does not make for a safe situation.
No equestrian likes traveling in the road. We have many beautiful trails in this area and we use them all the time. If you see an equestrian riding on the road, it is only because we are connecting to another trail that forces us to travel on Coutolenc for a short distance.
Butte County is horse country. With so many equestrians living and riding in this area, I think it is of utmost importance that citizens of this area are aware of the driving laws regarding equestrians. This is what the DMV states, according to the California Driver Handbook:
“Horse-drawn vehicles and riders of horses or other animals are entitled to share the road with you. It is a traffic offense to scare horses or stampede livestock. Slow down or stop, if necessary, or when requested to do so by the riders or herders.”
This is not only courtesy and safety – this is the law!
Could you please remind our citizens of this in your next issue of the Paradise Post?
Thank you,
Jaya Gregory
In other news: I took Gary to see the orthopedist today. He did indeed rupture his Achilles tendon. Next week he goes in for an MRI. Unfortunately, it’s looking like he may need surgery.
I really enjoy reading your blog 🙂 thank you for sharing!!!
Love it!!! Thanks for giving readers a heads up. 🙂
Thanks, Pam! When Mom and I were out riding, I asked one lady to slow down… she was WAY over the speed limit and didn’t even miss a beat when she passed us. My mom was riding a young horse who she has in training, but the driver refused to slow down. Instead, she passed us, and then came to a screeching halt in front of us… she got out of her car and yelled, “There are trails right over there that you can ride on!” That incident is what prompted my letter to the Post. I realized most drivers don’t know what to do when they see us, on horseback, in the road… they don’t realize we have a right to share the road with them!