‘Citizen patrols’ coming to Trinity Trails after collision injured Fort Worth runner
Following a collision on the Trinity Trails last weekend that left a man with a fractured leg, Fort Worth will roll out a “citizen patrol” of volunteers willing to help others navigating the river trails.
The Trail Ambassador program comes from Streams and Valleys, the nonprofit that works with the city and the Tarrant Regional Water district to promote recreation and conservation along the Trinity River. Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, an avid cyclist, announced the program on Friday afternoon in a video filmed on one of the trails.
Jerry Heaton, a Fort Worth marathon runner, was injured May 23 as he ran along the east side of the Clear Fork near the pedestrian bridge to Trinity Park. A cyclist clipped an approaching jogger, who fell into Heaton. The collision fractured his tibia and left both runners stunned. His wife, Susan, said Friday evening he was preparing for surgery.
The new ambassador program will offer assistance to people on the trails who may be lost, injured or simply have questions, said Stacey Pierce, president of Streams and Valleys. The program had been in the works for a few years and had been a topic of discussion in recent weeks, mostly focused around encouraging social distancing along the 90 mile trail, but Streams and Valleys decided to announce it this week.
“With that accident it makes it very top of mind for people how dangerous it can be if it’s not done right,” Pierce said.
The ambassadors will be trained on the trail layout and how to assist people. A focus will be on trail etiquette and rules, she said.
A pilot program will kick off as soon as Streams and Valleys has a “critical mass” of volunteers, likely around six to eight, for an initial training, but Pierce said there is no real limit to the number of people who can be involved. The program is looking for a diverse group from those who use the trails constantly for exercise to leisurely strollers. Bikers, runners, dog walkers and others are welcome.
An application can be found on the Streams and Valleys website.
People are out on the Trinity Trails significantly more often compared to last year, according to a presentation by the North Texas Council of Governments. Likely because of the coronavirus shutdown, the trails in March saw an increase of 255% more people compared to the same month in 2019.
The trails link more than 20 parks and neighborhoods, making it an easy spot for people looking to get out of the house or replace a trip to the gym.
After Heaton’s accident, Price told the Star-Telegram she planned to meet with Fort Worth Police about increasing patrols along the trails. The meeting was “productive,” a city spokeswoman said. Patrols will be increased, but the depart is still working out details.
About 40 officers are trained to ride a motorcycle retooled for the trails, described as a hybrid dirt bike, said Officer Daniel Segura. The police department also has a cycle division that patrols the trails, but the number of officers vary.
On Friday, Price told viewers of her briefing to pay attention while on the trails and avoid wearing earbuds.
“Think of it just like a road,” she said. “Be prepared.
The ambassador program is a “good first step,” Susan Heaton said. She was glad something would be done following her husband’s injury, but she urged officials to “respond with more teeth,” including increased patrols, clearer signage and speed enforcement.
“I know this is small on the scale of all Fort Worth, but it’s very big to us,” Heaton said of trail safety. “This is nice and tidy, but it’s not enough.”
This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 5:48 PM.
