Agency asks for authority to adjust speed limits, especially where trail passes through communities
By Mike Lynch
The state is looking to enhance traffic and user safety on the Adirondack Rail Trail.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking public comment on a proposed rule giving them authority to adjust speed limits along the trail.
The proposed rule, which the state has already been enacted as an emergency regulation, would give the DEC the authority to post speed limit signs and enforce them along the 34-mile trail from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake.
Prior to the emergency rule, the speed limit was 55 mph throughout the entire trail. It applies to bicycles, e-bikes and snowmobiles.
Primarily, the new rule gives the DEC the ability to lower the speed limits in communities, such as Saranac Lake and Lake Clear, where the department already installed 15 mph speed limit signs.
The regulation was enacted to ensure public safety, according to the DEC, which said it is anticipating an increased number of users in the coming years.
John Brockway, president of Adirondack Rail Trail Association and a member of local snowmobile clubs, said he personally supports the rule and helped put up 15 mph signs in a residential section of Lake Clear for the DEC in early January. He also owns Charlie’s Inn, a restaurant and bar along the rail trail in Lake Clear.
“Being a business owner in Lake Clear and having worked for almost 20 years to get this rail trail and the tracks out, I have an obligation to try to help my neighbors the best I could,” said Brockway.
Lake Placid Snowmobile Club president and ARTA board member Jim McCulley said he had no issue with the lower speed limit but did say he expected it to be 20 mph based on the planning sessions for the unit management plan for the Adirondack Rail Trail.
“Snowmobilers, for the most part, are pretty good when they see people, pedestrians and such on our trails because they’re on our trails everywhere,” he said.
The management plan for the Adirondack Rail Trail states that “a speed limit of 15 mph will be established where the trail passes through a village and at the area along Lake Clear.
In addition, all snowmobile laws and regulations will apply to the trail, including that snowmobiles cannot be operated within one hundred feet of a dwelling between midnight and 6 a.m. at a speed greater than the minimum speed required to “maintain forward motion.”
McCulley did say cross-country skiers, snowshoers and trail users will need to be mindful of sharing the winter trail. For instance, he recalled coming around a corner and encountering four people snowshoeing in the middle of the path.
“Trail etiquette is single file,” McCulley said.
Dave Cilley lives alongside the trail on Floodwood Road near the St. Regis Canoe Area in Santa Clara. Floodwood Road is mostly unpaved and has boat access to numerous ponds. Cilley is concerned about snowmobilers going through that area at a high rate of speed and encountering skiers and others, especially in sections that have fencing alongside the trail that limit people’s ability to get off to the side. He said that an area near his residence could benefit from a lower speed limit, better signage and enforcement. He said there are many buildings along that section of trail, similar to Lake Clear.
“The rules that apply to Lake Clear certainly should apply to Floodwood as well,” Cilley said.
The deadline for public comment about the new speed limit rules is April 8. Written comments can be submitted via email to Comment.AdkRailTrailRegs@dec.ny.gov or mailed to Robert Ripp, 1115 NY Rt. 86, Ray Brook, NY 12983.
A 15mph speed limit is ridiculous, even in town! Some snowmobiles cant go that slow. Others will overheat from traveling long distances at that speed. 55mph is a good safe speed for open trail. 30mph is acceptable in towns and congested areas.
Many snowmobilers feel that trails shouldn’t even have a speed limit. Low speed limits will drive snowmobilers and their $$ elsewhere.
My property is on the rail trail in the village of Saranac Lake, and I question where 15 MPH came from.
Speed limits in school zones are 25 MPH, arguably the most sensitive places in our communities.
Anything less than that says you care more about your power trip over public land use than the safety of our kids.
State trails through our woods are 25 to 30 mph. There’s no need for anything less than 30mph on them. These are flat wide open flat trails with excellent visibility.
15 mph? At that speed just ban everything on the trails. Even dog sleds cant go that slow!
But all the obnoxious signs and gates look great!
Winter use includes snow machines and xc skis, correct? 55 mph next to a skier? Totally unacceptable. 15 mph for all.
Why not go fast? It is railroad bed and railroad trains had no official speed limits. That being said, anyone skiing or snowshoeing should use other trails for safety reasons.
Personally, i would go elsewhere for hiking as lots of more scenic areas. But no ATVs will be allowed so will be a bit safer as bikes are slower.
The state in allowing snowmobiles on this trail should let them ride as any other snowmobile trail … no different.
Do they have speed limit checks on other trails?
At least wait and see what the problems are before makiing new rules.
But i hope people will not try to walk or ski on snowmobile trails. Dogs should not be walked on trail. Best to stay safe.
Where do you get your erroneous information? Of course trains are subject to speed limits. Also, the rail trail is a multiple use trail intended for snowmobiles, bikers, hikers, and cross country skiers. How dare you say people should not ski or walk on the multiple-use rail trail. Also, you asked do they have speed limits on other trails. Yes!. of course they do, through municipalities such as Old Forge, at bridges, etc.
Boy you jumped right over the point of these trails. They aren’t “snowmobile first other users go elsewhere” they were designed as multi use trails for bikers, hikers and skies with snowmobiles access allowed. Most sledders do a great job of staying under control but there’s always the occasional yayhoo that feels it’s ok to ride wide open and everyone needs to get out of their way. Since this IS a multi use trail, the speed needs to be such that all users can coexist safely. Need to go faster? There are other dedicated snowmobile trails for that.
I think the 15 mph is a great ruling regarding biking on the trails. There are so many accidents with fast bike riders (e-bikes or not) colliding with other bike riders, especially children.
Interesting comments from the motorized community. I hope they understand that the trail is a multi-use trail and when in villages there are multiple entrances and blind sections.
Speed limits in towns/villages/populated areas can do more than reduce speeds simply for safety. They can also be used for noise abatement.
This trail is shared by ALL. Meaning walkers (yes with dogs), skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, bikes. It’s funny how years ago the skiers and snowmobilers were all on the “same side” but now the problems will start. No one group has more power than another. If a snowmobile needs to slow down on certain parts of the trails that travel through communities…big deal. All of our roads have limits, as should the rail trail. Plenty of room for speed on other parts of the rail trail AND the snowmobile trails.
I live next to the rail trail, I used to own a snowmobile and rode this railroad bed before the tracks were removed. Never sped through town but would travel about 35 to 45 mph’s out of town. Not a speed freak I guess, just enjoyed getting out. One question I have now that the trail is open to bikers. What are the rules for them? As an example I have been forced out of the trail when the bikes approach from the rear with no warning. Seems some bikers feel they have unfettered access to the trail. Can we get them to at least shout out if they are approaching you from the rear? I can honestly say that I have never had a problem with sledders as they approach. They always slow down and even wave hi.
Thank-you
Safety for all is important and speed limits are a great was to keep everyone safe in congested areas. In all fairness the 15mph does seem a bit too slow. Maybe a 20-25mph speed limit is a better option so snowmobiles can pass through at a very safe but reasonable pace rather than having to crawl along.
Speed limits or not, is there anyone involved in this boondoggle ready for when a snowmobile or E bike runs over a pedestrian or skier?
I don’t understand where 15mph came from. I believe the current accepted limit on town roads and the like is 20mph. Snowmobile are driven by a centrifugal clutch, I’m not sure a snowmobile can maintain 15mph, the clutch engagement will cycle in and out causing heating and belt where issues. This rail trail thing is slowly falling apart. I don’t think that Rob personally is anti snowmobile but there is clearly a lot of people and DEC that want snowmobiles out of the Adirondack Park.
Needs to be mutual respect and understanding among all the users of this unique new Adirondack community trail. There will be a learning curve with needed education as this new community asset evolves. All the users need rules and etiquette of the trail to follow. In regard to snowmobile speed limits through towns, of course snowmobiles can go 15 mph. There are plenty of no wake zones for boats which requires 5 mph or less and boats are much more difficult to control at such low speeds. The DEC and public process which this discussion is all about should determine what that final limit should be.
Link to make comments to DEC does not go to comments of any kind at DEC !
The multi-use trail is nothing new. It has existed on both public and private lands across the country. There are other multi use trails in New York. One of the biggest being the NYS Canal trail. It has been used for years by snowmobiles and non-motorized users, there are posted speed limits in the villages and towns where the trail runs. There are also multi-use trails in other states and Canadian provinces. as well existing for many years use with post speed limits where required.
I am so pleased to hear of the 15 mph limit in populated areas such as Saranac Lake and Lake Clear. This is our regular walking path with family, including grandchildren, and dogs. Thank.you for your thoughtfulness. The slower speed limit will not only be safer but cut down on noise.