Falcon Estates Information

Safety, Courtesy, and/or City Code Enforcement

Jul 27, 2009

Given the long beautiful Colorado summer days we have, more and more folks are out enjoying the wonderful weather and the peaceful rural atmosphere of Falcon Estates, both residents and non-residents. There are two items of safety concern. One is an increase in traffic, traffic speed and a decrease in stopping at stop signs in Falcon Estates. This will increase with drive through traffic resulting from the widening of Woodmen and the construction of the overpass at Woodmen and Academy. The other safety concern is that many folks are walking and riding horses on the right-hand side of the road going with traffic ?– they can?’t see approaching traffic. When there are no sidewalks, it is much safer to walk, run, jog, or ride a horse on the left side of the roadway facing approaching traffic. This way the walker, runner, jogger, horseperson can see and avoid traffic as required. In addition, from a courtesy view point, the walker, runner, jogger, horse person can wave (as appropriate) to the driver in a friendly Falcon Estates sort of way. A less important point is that City Code 10.18.106 A and D, requires walking (include running or jogging) on the left side facing approaching traffic when there are no sidewalks along the roadway, and is applicable to riders of animals also.
Regardless of which side of the road one walks on, for those who walk (run, jog) with their dog(s), another item to consider is keeping the dog(s) on a leash and pooper scooping. From a safety aspect, being on a leash is safer for the dog(s), for other walkers, for horse riders, and even for drivers. Even the best trained dog can bolt after a squirrel, a rabbit, a deer, etc., and run in front of a driver who can?’t stop in time; or be aggressive with another dog for whatever reason; or misinterpret what a jogger or runner is doing; and, in many cases, horses and dogs don?’t mix well. From a courtesy point of view, having the dog(s) on a leash, keeps the dog(s) from running through flower beds, etc., and maybe from leaving a solid reminder of their passing in a neighbor?’s front yard. Picking up that solid reminder of their passing, even from beside the roadway, probably has no safety aspect, but it certainly is the courteous thing to do. Using a plastic bag from the newspaper, or, if that isn?’t green enough for you, a paper bag and trowel to pick up the poop from your dog(s) and putting it in a trash container is a great sign of a courteous and responsible pet owner.
Somewhat less important is the fact a leash is required within the City Limits by City Code 6.7.107 and 9.9.302. Also by City Ordinance(s) and signs, pooper scooping is required in City Parks and Open Spaces and on City Trails.