King County Sheriff's Deputies to Start Seasonal Safety Patrols of Burke-Gilman

King County Parks and the King County Sheriff’s Office are joining forces to ensure the continued safety of all visitors to the county’s regional trail system during the busy summertime months.

Beginning Saturday, King County Sheriff's deputies will patrol stretches of the Burke-Gilman, Sammamish River, Cedar River and other regional trails, to provide trail users with information about proper conduct, including posted speed limits, leash laws and other rules that are intended to keep everyone safe.

“Trail use increases when the school year ends and summer weather begins, so now is the right time to remind everyone about the basic rules of conduct,” said King County Parks Director Kevin Brown.

Deputies will patrol the trails on bicycles and on foot, and could issue either a warning or fine for observed violations. Some of the most frequent observed violations include cyclists and other wheeled trail users greatly exceeding the trail system’s 15 mph speed limit, failure to follow pet leash laws that lead to accidents, and alcohol use.

Sheriff’s deputies will also be distributing copies of the trail's code of conduct, which is also posted at locations along trails and at http://your.kingcounty.gov/dnrp/library/parks-and-recreation/documents/trails/Trail_Safety.pdf.

The enhanced enforcement effort will continue along selected portions of the trail system through the Labor Day weekend. The cost of this safety program is estimated to be about $20,000, and is funded through the King County Parks budget.

The King County trail system is a network of about 175 miles of multi-use trails that is used by bicyclists, pedestrians, runners, skaters, equestrians and others. Regional trails are popular for recreational use and for commuting. Learn more at http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/trails/regionaltrailssystem.aspx.