Commuting - How would you say thanks?

My commute takes in about an 7-8 mile stretch of a rail to trail that runs from Minneapolis out to the burbs. We got a dumping of white stuff of about 8 inches. I rode the day of the snow, and it was miserable going. I dreaded returning through the snow at night so I got a ride to Minneapolis and rode from there home.

The next day the route was plowed, except for this little 20 foot section because it was too narrow for a plow. Yesterday the route was clear all the way through. I am really grateful, as this 8 mile stretch keeps me off a busy aterial route, with buses and cars, and slush, ice, road rage.

So, do I post a note saying thanks? Do I go to a city council meeting and voice my grattitude for the city keeping the route plowed for myself and other bike commuters that haven't stepped forward. Or do I continue to ride, and hope that they decide to underwrite the plowing of the route by charging bikers to use this corridor? Maybe set a date for the city council meeting and post a note asking all bikers to unify at said meeting, and show our support and thanks for plowing the route.

Crazy I know. But the route keeps a bunch of us safe, and provides a real service to those who commute from the burbs or to the burbs.

That's great! I suggest calling your councilman's office to say thanks. If you don't, the plowing may go away next time they're looking for places to cut the budget.

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. That will be seen by many people if posted.

So, do I post a note saying thanks?
Crazy I know. But the route keeps a bunch of us safe, and provides a real service to those who commute from the burbs or to the burbs.

By all means do so! A note to the local councillor for that area as well as a note of appreciation to the people that do the plowing (parks dept.?) Sometimes areas like these get done just because a worker or supervisor thinks it should, not because it's written down somewhere to do it. Your note would mean that the work is in fact appreciated by the public and that the plowing of the path is useful work to be done. Letters of appreciation to both council and the workers usually mean the work will continue.

Is there any way of actually posting a hand written sign on a fence or tree giving your thanks to the guy who actually does it. If he sees it I'm sure he would really appreciate it and probably keep it as clean as possible for you.