"Share the Trail" on Saturday and Every Day, Learn How at City of Renton Sponsored Event

For two hours from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, you can walk, blade, bike or run at the “Share the Trails Event” along the Cedar River. Bring friends and family for the first annual event at Ron Regis Park that will highlight new rules and safety etiquette along the popular trail in Renton.

Just over a year ago, Velda Mapelli, was killed when she was hit by a bicyclist on the trail. And a little over a week later, Mayor Denis Law was also hit by a bicyclist when he went out to the trail to walk with his wife, Patty, to pay their respects for Mapelli. 

Both incidents drew attention to bicyclist speed and trail safety and etiquette.

Several organizations will be on hand to provide information about safety on the trails, including City of Renton and parks department staff, (Renton Unleashed Furry Friends), Cascade Bicycle Club, Bicycle Alliance of Washington, and First Feet Walking Club, an organization that promotes walkable communities.

The city of Renton will also have information on hand about its newly formed , designed to provide more security on parks and trails in Renton, deter criminal activity, offer helpful information to park and trail users.

"They'll be the eyes and ears of our trail system," said Community Service Administrator Terry Higashiyama, adding that the volunteer rangers will act as ambassadors to the city's parks.

The Park Rangers are trained and uniformed volunteers who will patrol the city’s major parks and the and will work with the Police Department and the Parks Department. Their job will be to make sure visitors to the trail are following the rules, monitor the area for any criminal mischief, and report any violations to safety and security regulations.

The event is sure to be a great event to get some exercise and more information about making the city of Renton's park and trails an even better experience for all that use them.