Claremont : Back Yard to Shed Bike Trail

The Claremont City Council voted this week to remove an asphalt bike trail that was mistakenly installed on private property nine years ago and was closed soon after.

John and Eileen McDermott, who have been seeking removal of the trail since it was built through their back yard along the Thompson Creek flood control channel in 1981, welcomed the council’s decision. “I’m glad it’s over and out of our lives,” said Eileen McDermott.

The council left open the possibility that the trail might be developed eventually, either along Thompson Creek or elsewhere and voted 3 to 2 to retain the path on its maps as part of a proposed regional bike trail system. However, the council indicated that the trail will not be built unless it continues through neighboring Pomona, and thus far Pomona has shown no interest in developing its portion of the countywide trail system.