Bill Leslie: Lake Johnson post about social distancing 'struck a nerve'

Nearly 100 readers responded with emails detailing their own frustrations.  

Ellen C. wrote that people failing to observe the single-file courtesy at Lake Johnson are making her passive aggressive:

“I have taken to making exaggerated gestures of moving WAY off into the woods to avoid people hoping they will get a clue. I am starting to embarrass my kids by mumbling under my breath and trying to send messages through my steely eyes!”

Harriet M. in Raleigh had similar experiences:

“When I politely ask them to walk single file when passing oncoming pedestrian traffic, a few are apologetic, but the vast majority are extremely offended.”

Kathryn in Cary writes:

“The open disrespect and defiant attitude is just unbelievable. People who have not been practicing the social distancing the last six weeks are not going to start now.”

I heard from bicyclists venting about walkers and walkers venting about bicyclists. I heard from families upset about disrespectful runners and runners complaining about families refusing to budge and allow them to safely pass on trails.

V. Schindler found a bright spot to write about:

“Everyone (in Fearrington Village) walked off the trail to give others space to pass or when the trail was very narrow, they stopped to let others pass through and then continued their hike. I thought of taking a video because the people there were perfect and it would be a good teaching tool of how things should be done on a trail.”

NC officials fear people tired of staying home will crowd state parks

Thanks for the feedback! We all need to vent from time to time. My approach is to pack more patience on trails and choose times to go when it’s not so busy. I need to always be kind, courteous, helpful and a little less judgmental.

We have a fabulous greenway system in the Triangle. We should celebrate it by using it responsibly, especially during the current health crisis.