Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site varian.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!mcnc!decvax!decwrl!amd!fortune!hpda!hplabs!zehntel!varian!fred From: fred@varian.UUCP (Fred Klink) Newsgroups: net.bicycle Subject: Mountain bikes and the environment Message-ID: <245@varian.UUCP> Date: Thu, 27-Sep-84 14:54:00 EDT Article-I.D.: varian.245 Posted: Thu Sep 27 14:54:00 1984 Date-Received: Mon, 1-Oct-84 07:25:34 EDT Organization: Varian, Walnut Creek, CA Lines: 42 I don't claim that my objection to mountain bikes on trails has any rational basis. Its simply a gut reaction based on what experience I expect on a "wilderness" trail. I have always and hope I will always have a reasonable expectation that others on trails are moving at a speed similar to mine and that unexpected noises are from the wildlife, not wild riders. As stated previously, this is the same reaction I have to other types of mechanical conveyances in these same situations. Its also not based on any assumption that otherwise rational people with operate bicycles irrationally on a mountain trail. Rather, its a question of the appropriateness of the bicycle for the situation. The incident I related last time had another component: there was a distinct "burned rubber" smell along the steep part of the trail after the cyclists passed. I assume this was from the brakes and I therefore am concerned that brake fade will create unsafe kamakazee riders regardless of their actual intent. Trails are not graded like roads and 15-20% or more grades are common with all the usual ruts and bumps of a trail. Combine this with a narrow path and short visibility ahead and you have an inappropriate place for any wheeled vehicle, especially when pedestrians are present. I guess I have a few rational arguments after all! I don't believe the issues of erosion or disturbance to animals will ever be shown to be serious enough in them- selves to be the basis for mountain bike regulations. Rather, I think preserving the quality of the wilderness experience for the majority of (foot-powered) users is the main concern. On this basis I think a rational choice of whether to permit bikes on not can be made on an area by area basis similar to what's been done with off-road vehicles of other types.