Originally Posted by
maxine
I don't think the State considers the NCR Trail a "transportation facility." Its official Web page is part of the Dept. of Natural Resources site, where it's listed in the "Greenways and Water Trails Program" section. The "greenway functions" listed are: riparian/water quality protection; wildlife/ecological corridor; linear park; trail.
That's correct but my point is the State's consideration of recreational use only (thus being able to close at night) is technically illegal as they used Federal transportation funds to build the trail and not recreational funds. The Capital Crescent Trail is open 24/7 and is part of the park system/greenway function but from day one they considered transportation use.
Originally Posted by
maxine
That "it's at your own risk at night" excuse seems kind of lame. I haven't looked into it, but I'd be willing to bet that the State's position is that you're at your own risk in the daytime, too.
There is some truth to that but the State mitigates it's risk by having Park Rangers patrol during the day.