Photo by Schiek

Beginning today, the Washington Area Bike Association will deploy Trail Rangers on bike and pedestrian trails owned by the city in order to assist riders and report safety issues.

Patrolled trails include the Metropolitan Branch Trail, which was recently the site of a brutal attack of a cyclist by a group of juveniles. The program, created through a $100,000 District of Columbia Department of Transportation grant proposed by Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), will extend to all city-owned trails, including the Suitland Parkway Trail, Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and Marvin Gaye Park Trail.

Shane Farthing, WABA’s executive director, told DCist a few rangers will be out this afternoon and evening. “They will be deployed to all city-owned trails on a rotating basis,” he continued.

According to a job listing calling for interns, Trail Rangers will perform the following duties:

Ride a bicycle daily on the District of Columbia’s trails pulling a lightweight trailer with supplies including first aid kits, maps and bike patch kits.

Report large trail maintenance issues to DC311 app

Report safety issues to MPD.

Check in daily with manager to receive schedule and assignments and weekly meetings with Urban Forestry Administration staff.

Help coordinate and staff volunteer trail clean up days with the assistance of manager.

Hand out supplies and information to assist trail users (maps, patch kits, etc.)

Assist in minor trail cleanup activities, such as sweeping broken glass or posting notices of hazardous trail conditions.

Create and establish a reliable feedback mechanism for trail users to submit concerns and issues.

Trail Ranger interns are still being recruited through the Student Conservation Association.