Yekaterinburg Residents Argue About Pedestrians on Ski Tracks
A public dispute has arisen in the city over whether pedestrians should be allowed to walk on ski tracks. This was prompted by a column by E1.RU journalist Irina Porozova, who was outraged by people walking on dangerous sections and interfering with athletes, despite there being pedestrian paths nearby.
In a poll under the publication, 77% of respondents supported the author, stating that the ski track is intended exclusively for skiers, and others should choose different places for walks.
Many commenters expressed similar indignation.
«I am also annoyed by the smart alecks who walk on the ski track. They have no brains whatsoever, especially if there is a path nearby. But the park administration should also be concerned about demarcating routes,»wrote olga-ivanovna.
«The park was and remains common, but everyone has different interests and needs. And many paths are allocated for pedestrians in the park. Why bother the skiers? What is the point of this utterly senseless position? Those who have not learned to live in society and respect others should move to a remote forest. There you definitely owe nothing to anyone, and there will be no ski tracks,»added the user «My Personal Opinion.»
Anastasia noted the risk of collisions:
«Then these dear pedestrians run and complain everywhere that skiers are knocking them down. Of course, it»s piggish. If a skier is going down a slope at high speed, they might not see this «stroller» at all and brake too late.«
Another reader described a problem at the interschool stadium in the Southwestern District, where pedestrians and children on sleds regularly destroy prepared ski tracks, which led to the cessation of their maintenance.
A local resident said that due to similar situations, he stopped skiing at the STTU base and now goes to the paid «Biathlon» track, where there are no random people.
Yelena gave an example from Sysert, where on the track of a children«s sports school, people ride on »inflatable rings,« creating a danger for themselves and skiers.
»Parents stand and smile. And ten minutes later, already adult louts, having mounted the «ring,» flew down the descent, knocking down the fencing. Do you have any idea what you«re doing?»she was outraged.
However, there were also those who stood up for pedestrians.
«The primary word is »park,« that is, a place for walks in the forest. And a ski track in the park is just a seasonal snow compact and nothing more. If you ski in the park, be prepared to go around pedestrians. If you don»t want to see pedestrians on the ski track, go to a ski trail, but that«s for money. And if it»s free in the park, then don«t whine,»wrote one of the Yekaterinburg residents.
«If we walk on these paths in autumn, summer, spring, why suddenly in winter has it become a track? Should they now run through snowdrifts if skiers have appropriated our paths for skating? Go to Uktus,»demanded Quiet Rustle.
An anonymous commenter pointed out the reverse side:
«As in the same park, on pedestrian paths where there are no signs, the same skiers ride and interfere with pedestrians. Here, pedestrians have the right to be outraged.»
A compromise solution was proposed:
«In my opinion, the simplest thing is to make a pedestrian path next to it with the same width so that pedestrians can walk the same route. By and large, both categories are engaged in sports. Walking in the forest is also about health.»
Others believe that athletes should train on special tracks outside the city, not in city parks.
