I got a call from an OSMP rep this morning. Rangers on the Goshawk Ridge Trail ticketed a cyclist recently (Friday). When asked if he saw the signage, he stated that "All my buddies say it's cool to ride the trail."
People, it's not cool to ride the trail. This idiot gets a $250 fine and gets to visit the judge; you can't mail this one in.
BMA is working hard to get access to the West TSA (Mountain Parks region) and the Eldo to Walker connection. Crap like this deals a blow to our efforts. We are working with OSMP on signs like these to make it abundantly clear:
As a graphic designer I must give just a little design feedback. I can't help it.
If this sign is posted at open trailheads as a PSA then it's pretty effective, although a headline like "POACHING" would help.
alternatively, If this is posted at a closed trail there will be confusion. The sign is green, which means go. The biker icon is not crossed out, signifying that it is legal to go as well. Also It still needs the previously mentioned headline so when people are scanning the sign at 10-20 mph, it will catch their attention.
The design of that sign is fine, if it's posted on a trail that is open to bikes. Isn't that the case with the placement shown above?
The small font and subtle graphics make it clear that the message is not meant to be absorbed with a glance while riding at 10-20 mph. It's clearly a sign that's meant to be read in full -- an informational piece, not a stop sign or similar warning. It's not being used to mark a trail that's closed to bikers, so a red slash or similar marking would confuse, not clarify, the message. Green is a friendly, low-key color that matches the message of the text.
Keep it as it is. Perhaps develop another version in red, with a slash, or otherwise similarly marked, to post at trailheads where bike access is prohibited.
"If the B.M.A. can post signs at trailheads, does everyone have the right to post signs also?"
Everyone who has a partnership agreement with the land manager, represents a group that performs hundreds of hours of volunteer labor each season, and develops a signage program to benefit the public should have the right to post signs at trailheads.
Hey Mike, I bet you didn't know that sign was socialist. It's green... and uh... that guy on the bike is clearly a proletarian.
For everyone providing the well thought out criticism, Mike never said this sign was being posted at closed trails. I'm sure they will continue to be marked with the unmistakable bike with a red slash through it.
This sign is probably for other prominent locations to inform those that choose to poach about the larger implications of their actions.
Does a OSMP rep contact you everytime someone gets ticketed for poaching? If so, do you post everytime you are contacted by one of these reps?
"My buds said it's cool" is a weasel like cop out. I doubt there are rouge bands of riders hitting GRT (or you'd hear about it I assume). Just one a$$hole's opinion. Thanks for all you do!
I'd read your sign simply because it has a bike on it and HEY!! I'm on a bike!!
Last edited by jugdish; 05-30-2009 at 09:06 PM.
Gone are the days we stopped to decide,
Where we should go,
We just ride...
I think it's great that these signs are going up. I do agree with some of the tips about the signs look, but it's a great start. I think too many people do not know trail etiquette, and need to be taught the proper way to use these areas. Kudos!
Does a OSMP rep contact you everytime someone gets ticketed for poaching? If so, do you post everytime you are contacted by one of these reps?
there is a distribution list that is ciruclated - but in order to be on the list you have to be politically connected - JD: with all of your political connections i should be able to get you added.
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Originally Posted by jugdish
