By SouthernHiker.com on 11-05-08
I could not agree more with your analysis. There can be little harm in allowing some trails in the National Parks to be opened up mountain biking. I also agree that this should be at the discretion of the NPS who frequent the trails. These experts generally have the deepest concern for protecting “their” parks, and would not allow trails or hikers to suffer. As such, I believe they would use this authority with discretion, and good judgment. Hikers and Bikers need to get along and realize they have often have two very common goals…. PROTECT NATURE and ENJOY NATURE.
By Mike Vandeman on 11-05-08
I thought that the job of the media is to present both sides of the issues. This article ignores ALL of the facts about mountain biking impacts. Mountain biking accelerates erosion, creates V-shaped ruts that make walking difficult or dangerous, kills small animals and plants on and next to the trail, drives wildlife out of their habitat, and drives other trail users off of the trails and out of the parks. Worst of all, it teaches naive children that the rough treatment of nature is okay. It’s NOT! I can’t think of a single good reason to allow bikes in natural areas. Since mountain bikers are all capable of walking, their claims of “discrimination” and being “excluded” from the parks are disingenuous. For more information on mountain biking, see http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande/mtbfaq.
By SouthernHiker.com on 11-06-08
I have to disagree with you Vandeman. What you are talking about is a few irresponsible mountain bikers, not the majority of mountain bikers. Most mountain bikers know better than to ride in wet conditions because it causes “V-shaped ruts.” Normal biking conditions rarely cause any significant impact. As for damaging trails, etc…One could easily make the same argument about the occassional vandals that “hike” out into the woods just to cause trouble. Most bikers stay on the path, and do not make any attempts to damage the very parks they enjoy.
Also, When have small animals been killed by mountain bikers? It would take two things to kill small animals with a mountain bike ( a very very fast & prick of a mountain biker trying to intentionally hit animals (not many of those around, atleast not more than hikers) and a very very slow animal). I have never seen any animal killed or injured by a biker.
As for teaching children about the rough treatment of nature, biking is not near as damaging as you believe, and most bikers are also avid hikers/outdoorsmen. As such, most have the same attitudes about the protection of nature as you do.
Hikers and Bikers need to realize they have a common goal. Preserve nature for all to enjoy. Biking is not for all areas, but allowing the NPS (who really cares about the environment and their parks) to decide when and where it is appropriate will increase environmental awareness over all. And awareness, after all, will be the best tool for natural protection.
By Mike Vandeman on 11-06-08
In my experience, it’s not just “a few” mountain bikers who cause problems. A scientific study that IMBA posted on their website (and later removed, because it made mountain bikers look bad) showed that 87% of mountain bikers break the law. That’s NOT “a small minority”.
In fact, NONE of the problems I mentioned have anything to do with whether or not they are “irresponsible”, whatever that means. Bikes with knobby tires accelerate erosion and create V-shaped ruts because of the laws of physics, with or without rain or so-called “irresponsible” riding. Snakes like to sun themselves on trails, and are often killed by mountain bikers because the bikes are quiet, fast, and have wide tires. And don’t forget that insects are animals. Or don’t they “count”?
Mountain bikers don’t have the same attitudes toward nature that I have, or they would never be caught dead bringing a bike into a natural area. I and most hikers don’t think that nature exists just to provide thrills for humans. My goal is to protect the wildlife—from the excessive presence of humans and large pieces of machinery such as bicycles. I wonder why mountain bikers are incapable of “enjoying nature” without bringing along a bicycle? I have never gotten an answer to that question.
Mountain biking actually PREVENTS awareness of nature: if you don’t give 99% of your attention to controlling the bike, you will crash! That is also reflected in their online discussions: nature is rarely if ever mentioned. Most of the discussion is on (1) the thrills of mountain biking or (2) the politics of trying to get more trails opened to bikes. Neither of these goals are shared by hikers & environmentalists.
By AC on 11-10-08
Great article, wish more of the hiker crowd saw this so logically.
Mr. Vandekook,
Don’t you have a rock somewhere to crawl back under? Your ridiculous ‘facts’ have been refuted repeatedly by scores of people, and you’ve been an annoying, and unsuccessful, ankle biter to mountain bikers for years now. Now scurry along while the adults have a productive conversation.
By Grappler on 11-10-08
Good article.As a trail runner and a mountain biker I applaud this new rule. In the area where I live the trails that are open to mountain biking are in better condition and are better maintained than the trails that only allow hikers. The National Parks should be open to everyone, not just hikers.
Vandeman’s crusade against mountain biking is well known. His “facts” have been debunked thoroughly numerous times over.
By Carey Jones on 11-15-08
How little you know about mountain biking Mr. Schneider. I am an avid mountain biker (2-4x week..even in winter) where we have some of the best trails, just outside NYC, in the country. MTBers go off trail constantly (they see a rock or tree (skinny) they want to play on), build illegal trails, and generally defoliate. Please visit a park where MTBing is permitted and then write your story.
I have visited most of the national parks in the U.S. hope they continue to be protected. Your comments are made in ignorance.
By Bill Schneider on 11-17-08
Cathy,
True, I do not know what’s happening in New York, but I live two blocks from a 4,000-acre part that allows both hiking and mountain biking, and there are none of the problems you recite, nor is there any social conflict. I visited this park hundreds of times before writing this article, and I feel quite confident that 99.9 percent of mtn bikers would use national parks responsibly. But you’re right about one thing. I’m ignorant about mtn biking. I’m only a hiker who supports more rights and access for mtn bikers in my hiking areas.
Bill
By Mike Vandeman on 11-17-08
So, Bill, what you are saying is that in your park, the laws of physics, biology, psychology, and sociology are different from everywhere else. I’ve visited dozens of parks, and found illegal mountain biking, bike-tire-shaped ruts, bike-induced erosion, and other damage to trails and wildlife in all of them. So where is your “special” place, where none of this happens? I’d like to get a second opinion.
By Bill Schneider on 11-19-08
Mike,
You already know the answer because you’ve read my other articles on the subject, but for other readers, I live two blocks from Mount Helena City Park (almost 4,000 acres, plus adjacent national forest land) where with the rarest exceptions, many hundreds of mountain bikers and hikers peacefully coexist every week and there is no noticeable environmental damage or social conflict, and this has been going on ever since the mountain bike became popular.
I can’t speak to other areas, but I suspect this is possible most everywhere if people let it happen instead of trying to make a confrontation out of what should be common ground..
Bill
The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.