DALLAS — Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Katy Trail user Troy Aikman kicked off the first safety awareness drive on the popular pathway Wednesday.
"I try to stay as far to the right as I can and not assume that everyone sees me when I turn around or go around somebody," Aikman said. "I think that's probably where some of the danger lies."
Friends of the Katy Trail handed out pledge cards to remind users how to use it safely.
Wednesday's event follows the death of Lauren Huddleston in early October. The 28-year-old runner was hit after she turned into a cyclist's path.
Heading north on the trail, at mile marker 1, crosses stand in her memory.
"You don't want that to happen to you or any of your loved ones or anyone out here using the Katy Trail," said runner Stacie Kleinberg. "I definitely look both ways to make sure nobody is coming before I cross over. I make sure nobody is coming in either direction."
Cyclists and other users are also looking at safety as a two-way street.
"We are not by ourselves," said Israel Vasquez, who bikes along the trail daily. "There are other people around. I think you have to be conscious of other people besides yourself."
The city installed new signs Wednesday on Harvard and Knox streets to warn drivers and trail users to pay attention, stop and slow down. The trail crosses both streets.
A cyclist was hit by a driver in October near Harvard and Cole. She suffered minor injuries.
More signs along the trail will soon go up, and leaders are working on a proposal to increase safety. Some of the ideas being discussed include implementing a speed limit for cyclists and widening paths.
But for some people, the Huddleston memorial is the only reminder they need to start making changes.
"You think of her," said Kleinberg. "What I can do to make the trail a safer place?"
The safety drive continues this weekend, October 23 and 24. Friends of the Katy Trail volunteers, police officer and fitness businesses will be offering tips and training.
E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com
