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What's the story behind all the mountain bike issues in the Bay Area, California?

  • As a mountain biker who pays attention to advocacy issues I would like to know more about the tensions between mountain bikers and hikers in the Bay Area in California and the story behind it all. I just don't get why the hikers and horseback riders have to make such a fuss over mountain bikers trying to gain access on just a few more trails. Europe is much more welcoming and much less stereotyping of the mountain bike community in general and I just don't get why hikers won't let that happen here. The wilderness designation thing also pisses me off, because it allows anti-bike organizations to wipe out entire mtb trails in one fell swoop. Hikers and mountain bikers need to learn to get along like they do in Norway, Sweden, Wales, Scotland, places like that. In Norway any mountain biker can ride any trail (due to a right of access policy) in any countryside area. And guess what? No bigoted hikers who stereotype the MTB community! So let's make it more like that in the Western United States too. What's the story behind the bay area california advocacy issues? I just don't understand how the hikers could be so selfish as to want every single singletrack to themselves.

  • Answer:

    I think it has to do mostly with an attitude that a lot of mountain bike riders take. The need for some to be "extreme" appears to breed a mentality that any trail they are on was built for their rush. I have been forced off trails several times by inconsiderate MTB users here in So Cal and it sort of ruins a hike. The last time was with no warning, just a moron doing 25 down a multi use trail like he owned it. Next thing I know, I am being screamed at to get out of the way. I could hear him screaming at others in the same fashion as he worked his way down. At the end of the hike, several people mentioned this to the ranger and now there are signs posted that MTB users must limit their speed and yield to others. With a little respect from the bikers, none of this would be necessary. Now I am not saying that all MTB riders are like this...not by a long shot. Most are respectful and courteous. Most of them also understand that they are a vehicle and can be banned from trails if their activity becomes a hindrance to foot traffic. It only takes a few adrenaline junkies to spoil it for everyone. As for other countries, it may be that the European cyclists that you are referring too have already figured out that they are simply one of many users of the trail. Possibly they are self regulating their behavior so that hikers do not have to take action in order to enjoy their sport as well? Just thoughts.

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If mountain bikers had more respect for other trail users they would get more respect in return. As it is, anyone who has encountered half a dozen mountain bikers coming down a narrow track at full speed making no attempt to slow down will take every possible measure to ban them. EDIT You're in the cycling section, there aren't any "anti-bike folks" here. What there are is a few grown ups who like to show other human beings a little respect.

The Lord of Misrule

In almost every country in Europe, bicycle bells are required equipment - and people use them gladly - and don't zoom by pedestrians by inches at high speed. European cyclist are, as a rule, a bit more polite and civilized out on the trail. Maybe it's a "stereotype" that ALL mountain bikers are like that in the US - but the culture is certainly there among many mountain bikers in general. You would do better to address your concerns to mountain bikers - change the culture from the inside - and their behavior on the outside - and things would eventually change.

PeteR

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