Abi Hassinger, left, and Britta ny Heringer, right, run along the Murdock Canal Trail in Lindon on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
Laura Giles
SARAH WEISER, Daily Herald file photo
Abi Hassinger, left, and Britta ny Heringer, right, run along the Murdock Canal Trail in Lindon on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
We are lucky to live in an area with beautiful spaces and ample opportunities to spend time in nature. These locations include the many trails that surround the county. One of them, the Murdock Canal Trail, is a local favorite.
The Murdock Canal, built in the early 20th century, used to be an open canal. My family loved walking along the canal on the dirt path that wound alongside it. In 2011-2012, the canal was closed and a paved trail was built. At first, many of us were disappointed that the canal was closed; We loved watching the ducks swimming and walking along with the calm sounds of the water. However, the paved Murdock Canal Trail has not been a disappointment.
Not only is the trail a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and take in beautiful views, but people often add to the experience as well. I often see messages of encouragement or happiness written on the trail pavement in chalk. In fact, in 2020, a family whose home is adjacent to the trail in Pleasant Grove regularly wrote messages of hope in chalk on the side of their home. Another nearby landowner plants wildflowers on his property right next to the trail for users to enjoy.
Many of us love using the Murdock Canal Trail, which winds through northern Utah County, through hills, trees and plants, with views of the mountains on one side and the valley on the other. I see people using the trail all year round, but this is the time of year when it can be very busy and sometimes even congested. If you’ve spent a lot of time on the road, you’ve probably seen some accidents when some users, usually going too fast or in the wrong direction or simply not paying attention, came close to hurting others.
Just a few weeks ago, the Pleasant Grove Police Department’s social media post was about road safety. “Spring is here. The weather is fantastic and many of you are getting out and enjoying the sun. The Murdock Canal Trail will see a lot more traffic in the coming months,” he said. “This year the police department is prepared to have a presence there We have recently acquired new e-bikes that will assist us in our canal road policing efforts. We will have uniformed officers on our e-bikes doing a lot of networking and educating those who are unsure of the laws, especially in the areas where the canal is located. It crosses the city streets.
Jeremy Hall
“If you see them there, be sure to ask them to clarify any questions you may have regarding canal laws. They will also conduct traffic stops and take enforcement action. If you haven’t noticed, a speed limit has recently been posted on the canal road. The speed limit is 15 MPH. We have many cyclists who exceed this speed and that creates a safety hazard for everyone. We hope that our presence up there can make the canal safer so that everyone can enjoy the ride,” he continued.
In addition to following the speed limit, we can all be safer by remembering to stop at stop signs, keep pets on a leash, clean up after pets, and remember to stay to the right. If you cannot pass safely, do not pass. Happy trails!
Newsletter
Join thousands of people who already receive our daily newsletter.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.