Anyone who knows about road cycling in Jackson County knows that Caney Fork is the “crown jewel” of the many roads to ride here; it is a designated bike route with signs that notify the very few cars one encounters to be aware of bikes, and that cyclists have the right to use the entire lane. As far as auto traffic goes, it is one of the safest roads around. 

In the past year I have been riding Caney Fork about 6 to 8 times a month. After my first few rides all the way to the top where the pavement ends, I learned when you get up high enough, dogs become a hazard. Due to that, I usually turn back not long after passing John’s Creek, about half of the way up. 

Friday, September 23, was a beautiful day. I started up Caney Fork and decided to go near the top, short of the dogs that I usually encounter a half mile before the top. My caution notwithstanding, that day I was ambushed (there really is no other word for it) and chased by dogs a total of four times, including within a mile of N.C. 107 where Caney Fork starts. Each time, the offending dog pursued me for some distance, forcing me to put much effort into evading them. Not only is the threat of getting bitten a problem, but a dog can also be the catalyst for wrecking on a bike which is a much more harrowing proposition, especially when you are sprinting to outrun a dog. Worse yet, it could result in wreck involving a motor vehicle. 

If the status quo with respect to our canine friends on Caney Fork is permitted to continue, it is only a matter of time before a cyclist gets seriously hurt; especially unsuspecting tourists and other cyclists that may not be aware of the hazard presented by dogs on that designated bike route. The Jackson County tourism board’s slogan is “Play On,” indicating that Jackson County is a place to hike, run, fish, paddle, rock climb and cycle. I am certain none of these dogs’ “humans” would want their dog to be the cause of serious injury.

There is presently a Jackson County ordinance about “nuisance dogs.” However, it requires the complainant to note the address and notify animal control. This is problematic. First of all, the address of the offending dog(s) is not easily ascertained in a very rural area like Caney Fork. Secondly, it does nothing to protect those uninitiated to Caney Fork. There are presently no leash laws in Jackson County. I am writing this letter to call upon the Jackson County Commission to pass an ordinance that requires dog owners to protect their dogs, cyclists and other people from an unfortunate incident that endangers both canines and humans. The county commission needs to pass an ordinance requiring dog owners that reside on Caney Fork and related roads to prevent their dogs from becoming a threat to people. This could be done by fence, kennel, leash or electronic barrier. 

In a county that prides itself as a location where outdoor sports will foster business and tax revenue by attracting both tourism and new residents, it would be in the county’s best interest to pass an ordinance that would protect people and dogs from such unfortunate encounters. Ideally such an ordinance would be county-wide, but short of that, Caney Fork is a good place to start. The time to act is now.

Peter P. Nieckarz Jr.

Sylva