To mask or not to mask while using public trails

When COVID first appeared on the public radar last year, there was a lot of inconsistent information around masks, social distancing, what you could do and what you shouldn't. Confusion caused by inconsistent government orders and signs continues to be a problem, and has led to hostile encounters on public trails in and around Niwot and Gunbarrel.

"One of the things we noticed at the very beginning was we wanted to make sure people knew that going outside for a walk, taking a hike, was considered an essential activity because it's important for their mental health," said City of Boulder language access program manager Manuela Sifuentes.

According to the Boulder County Public Health Order in effect since May 2, 2020, "Each person in Boulder County, except as specifically exempted [10-years-old children or younger, first responders if they need to respond to an immediate threat], must wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained of at least 6 feet from any non-household members."

The unanswered question is, what if a person is maintaining six feet (or more) of distance while outdoors and on the trails - should a mask be worn? The Boulder County Parks & Trails website states, "Bring a face covering. Face coverings are required at trailheads, when passing other visitors, and when six feet of distancing cannot be maintained. See the Public Health Order for more information."

But that's not what the Public Health Order says, as there is no requirement to have a face covering, or to wear one at trailheads, or when passing other visitors - as long as social distancing of at least six feet is maintained. The inconsistency has led to conflict between trail users, even including violence.

This was the subject of concern from a Courier reader, who recently wrote in describing harassment she experienced and witnessed while out on the trails.

"Our communities are built around the healthy lifestyles that people move to Colorado for," described the letter-writer. "Since March I personally have been harassed, rocks were thrown at me, two bikes hit me and called horrible names while running on the same trails that I've enjoyed."

The letter additionally described how the letter-writer has seen people yell at high school runners and in talking with some fellow athletes, they share many similar stories. "I do not wear a mask while running, I am respectful, stay away from people, I am especially aware of the elderly & go out of my way to make sure they have the space they need to feel safe," the letter-writer said.

For this reader, frustration is growing because she believes that "being healthy is not only about a virus, it's about thriving in a healthy environment," but when people continuously yell at others, it's difficult.

Chana Goessetis, the COVID-19 public information officer for Boulder County, has said that the department has heard of these kinds of complaints from runners, but much earlier in the pandemic. "We haven't heard these concerns for many months," she said.

Another Niwot community member, Alison Steele, seconded this statement saying, "I think it has decreased since March, or maybe I don't get yelled at anymore, I really don't know. It has gotten better for me, and I think we have a lot more information so people are at least a little calmer."

Steele, however, reiterated that since she wears a running buff, also called a gaiter, she thinks that might have helped decrease the level of pushback she's had.

"I run with a buff around my neck and pull it up when I run by people, and I pull it down after I pass. I find it extremely hard to breathe while I am running when I have a mask on, and I imagine that is exactly how other people feel," she said.

"[But] I have been screamed at on the trail and told to go kill my own family because I didn't pull my mask up fast enough... I have even had a woman take her mask off and run over to me on a dirt road, when I was far away from her and try to trip me because I didn't put up my buff."

In and around Niwot and Gunbarrel, not all trails are the same, which can lead to problems. Some trails are plenty wide in places to allow a 6-foot distance between visitors who meet on the trail, while other parts of a trail may be much narrower, with no easy way to pass unmasked and socially distant.

Given that maintaining a 6-foot distance may not always be possible, or convenient, best practices indicate that having a mask or gaiter quickly and easily available while on public trails not only allows easy compliance with the law, but sends a message of caring and concern for the health of others.