“Give each other space” – HCnieuws

June 19, 2024 at 10:37 am

recreation

Haarlemmermeer Joop Baars rides his bikes several times a week on the bike path along the agricultural road near Hoofddorp-noord between Hoofdweg and IJweg. According to one Lijnden resident, this should be a fun and safe cycling route. “But nothing could be further from the truth,” Baars says. “The bike path passes through a no-dog zone and we are awaiting the first incidents.”

The area is managed by the Spaarnwoude Recreation Board and therefore signage is arranged by them in consultation with the municipality. “I find it incomprehensible that this entire area is classified as an out-of-control area,” Baars continues. “The area just south of the agricultural road would also have been designated as an out-of-control zone.”

Dogs

According to Bars, the road and bike path should be off-limits to dogs. According to him, there are also traffic lights for that. “The bike path has also now been explicitly designated as an off-leash area. One could not have chosen a more stupid position. It is almost laughable to think that there could be no injuries as a result.” The “owners” let their dog loose and walked a hundred meters behind the running dogs “They have fun, and they send text messages on their phones.”

Signs with the text “Pedestrians on Bike Path” with an “Off-Leash Area” sign below invite pedestrians, with or without dogs, onto the bike path. “When I politely ask to keep dogs on a leash on the bike path, I receive the response: ‘It’s allowed, just look at the signs.’ To be honest, putting up signs also invites such a comment, so I can’t say anything about it.

Give space

A recreation board spokesperson said they are aware of the situation. “There has now been contact with Pars. We will monitor further and follow the situation. It is true that this is an entertainment area. We want to give everyone space there. The signs we have put up remind visitors that they are in an entertainment area. Space is limited in some places, so it is important that visitors give each other Some people have this space and are accepting of each other. This applies to cyclists, walkers with or without a dog, and recreationists.