Posted on 02/22/2009 6:05:07 AM PST by metmom
OLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Hikers who climb to Pikes Peak's summit but don't feel up to walking the 12 miles back down could soon have to pay for their ride.
The Colorado Springs city council is expected to vote Tuesday on a proposal from Pikes Peak Highway officials that would charge up to $500 for each uninjured hiker who calls 911 for a ride down.
The city runs the toll road up the 14,115-foot peak, but the U.S. Forest Service owns the land.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Will they agree to relieve the taxpayers of $500 in obligations for each "fee"?
Good point.
About once a year, New Zealand’s emergency services toy with the idea of charging fo unnecessary rescues. As often as not, these are for American “adventurers” who bite off more than they can chew in under-provisioned yachts in the South Pacific.
100% of the time so far they have decided against charging.
I agree. Necessary or no, rescue services are rescue services, and we as New Zealanders pay big bucks to make sure we have the capability. No point having the capability unless it is in top-shape and well-practised.
And practise is precisely what they get when they rescue these “adventurers”. How else are they going to get used to boarding a damaged yacht in 30’ swells in icy Antarctic seas? Or checking an up-turned catamaran for signs of life in shark-infested waters?
Our rescue services are the best in the world because they practise.
As a New Zealand taxpayer I would not want to see them charge “adventurers” for this valuable experience. No way!
Maybe an enterprising person at the top with a van could offer rides down for a fee.......
I have a van. I’ll be in Colorado this summer.....
No shark problem on Pikes Peak. I once drove up in the snow (in a rental car) and realized on the way down that I had maybe bitten off a little more than I could chew. I made it down though.
These guys like the tourist coming into town an d spending their money, if someone is injured a ride down the hill is a small price to pay to keep the tourist coming.
How about some reciprocity? In the rest of the country 911 service will be provided free of charge, except for those from places that charge for it?
Will they waive the fee if the rescuee is an illegal alien?
Just asking.
“officials that would charge up to $500 for each uninjured hiker who calls 911 for a ride down. “
Keep in mind that this is the same “forest service” that caused enormous fire damage just a few miles west of Pike’s Peak. One of their own employees set the fire (on purpose) and caused millions of dollars damage and destruction of trees and wildlife. They have some nerve to charge tourists for a ride down the hill.
Probably not, but it’s a start.
it is here....the local ambulance will pick you up and take you to the hospital of your choice....they catch on quick to those looking for a quick trip uptown to their dealers.
At that price, I am surprised there is not a cab stand in the parking lot.
That's not in the same league at all as giving someone a ride down who doesn't feel like walking down himself.
Sheesh, down is the easy part.
This is for non-emergency calls. If they're busy ferrying people around for non-emergency calls, those people are tying up the resources needed for someone who could be a true emergency.
Just tell the hikers up front about the fee and let them decide whether they want to take the risk. The choice is theirs then.
Notice that it was the city council, not the FS that was voting on the service fee....
Exactly. Tying up emergency services for non-emergency situations is irresponsible on the part of the person who called.
Yup. Sounds like a great opportunity for an enterprising local.
They probably don’t allow snowmobiles up there, but a 4WD with a snowplow, or a set of mules, may be just the ticket.
It’s always easier uphill. My rental was a Ford Tempo.
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