by Scott Bartlebaugh
Here’s an article from pinkbike regarding bike access and federal wilderness areas. While we don’t deal with federal wilderness areas here in the East Bay there are some points that do relate to access debates here: “Given that research has overwhelmingly shown that mountain biking has a negligible impact on trails (less impact than horses), the more significant effects would be social.”, “If user groups can compromise on a solution, it would have to be a solution that doesn’t catastrophize or turn a nuanced situation into an all-or-nothing fiasco.”
The EBRPD Trail User Working Group is aimed at addressing the bigger social issue and seeking solutions through compromise and coalitions. The outcome is uncertain but there are more allies at the table this time.
So when you’re out on a trail and you come across another user keep in mind that expanding access does involve compromise and coalitions. Each encounter with another user is an advocacy opportunity. We can choose to try to build an ally or not. The path is still hard but do we want to make it harder? Consider putting yourself in their shoes or saddle even if that perspective may be beyond what you consider reasonable. That’s a big ask. We’re not going to convince them all. Do what you can when you can.
