Originally Posted by
davasi
The law (or basic rule as they put it, on their website) is that I can not ride on the trail after dusk. I work until 12am and ride my bike to work. I was recently warned by a county sheriff's deputy to not be on the trail at night. The two major roads, which are the only way to get near my house, are extremely busy... even at night. A local radio announcer was killed in 2002 while using one of said roads instead of the trail for biking home because he was warned and cited for using the trail after dark. I don't feel comfortable riding on either of these roads after dark or during the day for that matter, and am going to continue using the trail and fight every citation I get for using it. Am I bending the law too much here?
I live in Clearwater and worked in Largo/Seminole area for years so I understand what you are asking!
Yes, you are definitely bending the rules. The trail is closed (folks, its a 25 mile long "linear" county park) between dusk and dawn...however, if you have decent lighting and it's one of the "safer" areas I think you'd be forgiven. The chances of a deputy or park attendant being out there is pretty low. However, if a deputy has already warned you I'd consider that in my decision. But, if you have an accident or get mugged you'd have hard time explaining away your injuries as it is "closed" and posted as such. Good luck - I feel your pain! Ulmerton,
Ridge/113th, Walsingham, or any of the other roads around there are a mess.