Bike Path Litter: A Problem

Dear Scituate Residents,

When I was in the first grade my teacher taught our class  “The Litter Bug Song”.  The lesson of the song was…don’t litter.  It went like this:

If you throw litter in the grass...

You're a litterbug!

If on the street you leave some glass...

You're a litterbug!

If you throw litter in the air... You're a litterbug!

 If you throw litter anywhere...

You're a litterbug!

Unfortunately, I think of this song every time I walk the Scituate bike path.  Yes, instead of taking in the beauty of the marsh, the spectacular views, the chirping of birds, the scent of wild flowers, watching the wild bunnies, and smelling the fresh salt air I am thinking of this litter bug song.  Not good right?

The bike path is more than just a bike path.  It is a place in our community that brings people together.  Individuals of all ages  take advantage of the bike path to participate in activities such as a bike ride, a nice walk, rollerblading, jogging, walking their dog, power walking, commuting from the train station to Front Street, and even cross-country skiing in the winter.  I utilize the bike path on average four times a week and see many familiar faces every time I am on it.   I exchange greetings with these familiar faces.  Although, I don’t know these individuals by name I refer to them as BPFs (bike path friends).  I know these BPFs are enjoying the bike path as much I am.   It is one of my favorite places in the town of Scituate besides the beach.   Everyone always seems in a good mood when they are on the bike path.

The amount of rubbish I find on the bike path on a daily basis is devastating.  I would like to think that most of the rubbish I come across flies out of people’s vehicles as they are on their way to the dump.  I have learned that is wishful thinking.  I have seen on several occasions people thrown rubbish out of their car windows.   I have also seen people who legitimately are on their way to the dump and rubbish flies out the window, they pull over, look around, pick up the few pieces of their rubbish that has not yet flown away in the wind, and get back in their cars.  Ok “A” for effort but next time don’t leave your windows open and go 70 miles per hour down the Driftway.  There is also a large amount of litter that consists of Dunkin Donuts receipts, cups, straw wrappers, lottery tickets, cardboard beer cases, and cigarette boxes.  There is even a sign stating there is a litter fine along the bike path.  I have a feeling this is not enforced…..  The town could make some serious extra cash if it were enforced.

The bike path is a special place to me as well as many other Scituate residents.  This winter my husband began bringing a rubbish bag on all of his walks to help keep the area clean by picking up litter.  I was inspired by his initiative and hopped on the bus. I have made it a routine to pick up litter whenever I am out  on the bike path.    Often others who pass us will say thank you or smile in appreciation of us helping to keep our community backyard the clean place it deserves to be. For right now I have taken on the role as the Scituate Bike Path Litter Warden.    

I hope there will be a day when I walk the Scituate bike path and don’t think of “The Litter Big Song”.  All that I ask from you is:

1)    Don’t be a litterbug

2)    If you are driving to the dump KEEP YOUR WINDOWS CLOSED. 

3)    If rubbish does fly out of your vehicle don’t play dumb and pretend you didn’t notice the flattened beer boxes and dirty diapers fly out of your rear driver’s side window.  Pull over and pick them up.  You will feel good about this after the fact. 

4)    If you smoke don’t use the path or the grass along the path as your personal ashtray.

5)    Pick up after your dog.  If you don’t it a) is gross and b) gives us responsible dog owners a bad reputation.

6)    If you really want to be a peach bring a bag and help clean up the path while you use it.

7)    Spread the word!

Respectfully Yours,

The Scituate Bike Path Litter Warden