Lehigh Township supervisors received a letter from the township insurance carrier about a BMX trail built without authorization by local youth.

Police discovered the trail while investigating another incident.

At the Oct. 8 meeting, supervisors said they would work with the youth because, as supervisor Cindy Miller said, it provides an outlet for recreation.

The letter was read in public and the boys were promised they would receive copies.

The township could lease the property if an organization was formed that could then provide insurance.

The insurance company wants all holes from construction to be filled. Any additional construction must be stopped.

Trees also must be removed so the trail can be seen better. The starting gate must be removed because it uses trees as gateposts.

Supervisor Darryl Snover said the youth need to come up with a plan.

Youth may be able to use the trail again if three tasks are completed within 30 days, said Snover. These are to post "ride at your own risk" signs, fill holes and remove the gate.

Group representatives said insurance could be as little as $2,000 a year and that the group is in the process of discussing how to meet the requirements.

Supervisor Dell Grove said the township would try to foster the youthful interest but it must also deal with the insurance company.

Solicitor David Backenstoe said the boys would have to create a trail that is acceptable. Then they could make a contribution to the township.

"Ride at your own risk" signs would not necessarily prevent a lawsuit if someone were to get hurt, said Backenstoe, indicating the burden would fall on the taxpayers.

Group representative Joseph Fronti said even experienced riders can go only when someone from the group is there to open the trail.

"We all get hurt down there but riders know the risks," he said.

Backenstoe said he thought they were very responsible about it but a problem could arise if a rider on the trail is unfamiliar with it.

A parent asked if other municipalities had been contacted. She asked if the township could speak with them further.

Backenstoe said a trail in Bethlehem was designed by an engineer and BMX biker David Washburn said Northampton contributed materials.

Grove said land had been leased to other groups.

Washburn said he knows an engineer who may look at it and that they could contact bike shops or other businesses for sponsorships.

In other business, seven people expressed a willingness to be reappointed to the traffic impact committee.

The ordinance is being prepared to expand the commercial zone near the intersection at Cherryville.

Grove asked if the supervisors wanted to continue the tradition of providing turkeys for public works employees, police and administrative staff. It was approved with Grove and supervisor Keith Hantz to make the deliveries.