Nov. 18, 2008 — The Lassen County Transportation Commission discussed at length-how to maintain the bicycle and walking trails in the city and county areas during its Monday, Nov. 10 meeting of the Lassen County Transportation Commission. LCTC Chairman Jim Chapman asked for the item to be placed on the agenda after a local resident crashed while riding his bicycle on the Skyline Road East, which runs from Highway 139 near Lassen Community College, southeast to Johnstonville Road.

Chapman said the person sustained serious injuries to his neck and back, but thankfully, he was wearing a helmet.

After the accident, Chapman said he rode by the area on his bicycle and it appeared dirt and gravel had been kicked up onto the path. He also said brush can be a problem on the trails during certain times of the year.

He asked for the item to be continued to the regular scheduled meeting on Monday, Jan. 12 and asked for a report of how a joint effort could be used between the city and county for any equipment already available, any needs for new equipment and what the cost is to use it.

“My concern is I don’t want the city to go out and buy a bunch of equipment and the county go out and buy a bunch of equipment if the equipment is not going to be used daily,” he said.

That way, if the city has an area needing to be cleaned, staff can use the equipment and return it. If there is an area in the county needing attention, county staff can use the equipment.

“The same equipment can be used and shared,” Chapman said.

He said (trail maintenance) is an issue needing to be focused on, he said it’s not an issue just for the city or county but should be a joint issue.

He said the issue with the bicyclist could have been prevented if the commission had been proactive instead of reactive.

LCTC commissioner Doug Sayers said trail maintenance had been discussed several years ago and something needs to be done. He also said it is a liability issue.