Description

This is not so much a request fir service as it is to report a deteriorating situation on one of the city bike trails. Specifically the I-40 trail as it passes under Juan Tabo. The tunnel there is not only a persistent litter hazard but lately it has been occupied by what I assume to be homeless camping INSIDE the darkened tunnel on a fairly regular basis. I ride that trail 2-3 times a week and lately have seen a small dome tent either in the tunnel or just barely outside of it. On Friday last as I entered the tunnel from the east end, I heard loud voices just barely in time to avoid a crash. There were about 6-8 people - seemed like school age kids - sitting in a circle about mid-way through. There was just barely enough time and space available to avoid hitting someone. As a result, I will now and in the foreseeable future AVOID this area completely. It is just not worth the risk to myself and others! To say nothing of the possibility that eventually someone there may try some colorful stunt in the darkened area. No other bike trail tunnel I have ridden through has turned into the sort of cesspool this I-40/Juan Tabo tunnel has lately. SAD! I wish I had a positive suggestion to offer as to how this might be improved, but frankly I am at a loss. Kudos to our Mayor for trying to improve our bike & pedestrian trail system, but something needs to be done about this sort of eyesore/situation too if we are to have a truly accessible and usable system. Thank you.