Originally Posted by
alan s
Not sure how you would ruin things for other cyclists by stealth camping. The Katy Trail and similar bike paths are publicly owned, and there is not much anyone can do that would ruin it. As I see it, property owners are far better off having a bike trail through their property than a freight line, so they should be grateful and welcoming to people spending time and money in their area. Not saying stealth camping is OK, but that if it happens, it’s not the end of the world.
At this moment, there is an ongoing battle over whether the State of Missouri will develop the Rock Island Line into a cycling trail. Trespassing, privacy concerns, property rights, and security are the primary reasons opponents are working to stop the trail. Trespassing on the Katy hurts both property owners and cyclists.
FWIW, the choice on the Katy or the Rock Island Lien isn't between a bike trail and a freight line. The railroad is gone. There will be no more trains. But if the trail isn't developed, the easements return to the original landowners. That is to say that the farms and properties currently split by the trail get the property back and their farms and no longer split by a recreational trail they have no control over. Can you see how that might be appealing to a farmer or rancher?
BB