City takes on river trail speed limit, animal control
10 mph restriction would apply to e-bikes, cyclists, scooters, etc., when others are present

Travelers on the Animas River Trail may soon be required to slow their roll or face the consequences. At its regular meeting Tues., Oct. 21, Durango City Council considered a change to city ordinance that would impose a 10 mph speed limit on the Animas River Trail enforceable by a $100 fine.

The new law would set a maximum speed of 10 mph when others are present on not just the ART, but all hard surface, multi-use trails within city limits. The ordinance would apply to bicycles, scooters, skateboards and similar devices, regardless if they are motorized. Enforcement would be carried out by the city’s open space rangers, who would have the authority to issue citations of up to $100 for exceeding the speed limit. 

The proposal come as in response to increased usage and safety concerns on Durango’s trail network and growing conflicts between pedestrians and faster-moving users on e-bikes and bicycles.

The new law would not restrict the speed of individuals traveling together in the same direction when others are not present. However, faster trail users are expected to anticipate others at all times and advised to slow down at blind corners and other areas with limited sight distance.

The new law and applicable fine would apply to all ages, including children under 18 years old.

According to the City, signs will be installed posting the new speed limit after the ordinance is passed. City Council is expected to vote on the new speed limit at its meeting next week, Oct. 28.

And speaking of rule enforcement, the City will also be taking the lead on animal control enforcement from the La Plata County Humane Society starting Jan. 1

Again, the change is the result of recent community concerns, particularly along the Animas River Trail.

Historically, animal control and leash laws have been enforced by the Humane Society, which is paid $289,883 annually by the City for two officers. The city has a contract with the Humane Society through the end of 2028, but it allows for termination with the appropriate notice, which was given Oct. 10. The city has a separate contract for services provided at the Humane Society Animal Shelter.

The money will be reallocated to pay for expanded patrols by the city’s open space rangers and potentially two new ranger positions.

 “This transition will allow for better coordination, visibility and responsiveness in addressing animal control issues, while also enhancing our ability to mitigate conflicts in these heavily used public spaces,” Assistant City Manager Bob Brammer said. “By expanding the role of our rangers to include a focus on animal control and protection, we also see an opportunity to more proactively address seasonal wildlife interactions, such as bear activity, through education and enforcement.”

 Police Chief Brice Current will be working with the Humane Society to implement the transition plan.