<\/p>\n
When the Boulder County Commissioner proposed a schedule of \u201calternating use\u201d for the area\u2019s many trails, it sounded like something else to the area\u2019s mountain bikers. It sounded a lot more like an alternating ban on mountain bikes. That could be b because, while there are many trails bike\u2019s aren\u2019t allowed on to start with, there are currently no bike-only trails in the Boulder network. An alternating use effectively just proposed further limitations on where mountain bikers could go.<\/p>\n
The reaction was immediate and sustained. Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) led the response, but the proposed plan was so one-sided that even non-mountain bikers were speaking up against the proposal.<\/p>\n
Now, BMA is reporting a win. On Tuesday, the Boulder County Commissioners voted to not move forward with the proposed \u201calternating-use\u201d trail pilot.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) thanks the community for the overwhelming response and the Commissioners for choosing a path that better represents visitor needs and keeps Boulder County focused on collaboration, shared access, and better long-term solutions for everyone who uses and loves these trails,\u201d BMA stated in a press release announcing the decision.<\/p>\n
BMA said thousands of people responded to the proposal by filling out surveys, showing up in meetings, showing up in the comments to share what Boulder\u2019s trails mean to their lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe right response to a popular trail system is not to make access more complicated or less reliable. The right response is to understand demand, plan for it, and provide high-quality experiences that serve the community while protecting the land.\u201d said Wendy Sweet, executive director of Boulder Mountainbike Alliance.<\/p>\n
BMA\u2019s strategy wasn\u2019t just a blanket opposition to the alternating-use proposal. The trail organisation presented alternative paths to achieving the Commissioner\u2019s stated goal of reducing trail conflict. The strategies reflect a local take on approaches that are solidly proven in other areas.<\/p>\n
The suggestions include practices that are taken for granted in other areas. Improving trail design to reduce unexpected head-on traffic, improving sight lines, reroutes to avoid conflict areas, directional trails including mountain bike only descents, clear signage, education and more opportunities for volunteer stewardship.<\/p>\n
All of these strategies, BMA points out, \u201cimprove trail experiences without restricting access.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is always exciting to see a riding community rally together to protect the trails they love. Fighting against limiting access is hard. The next steps are more exciting.<\/p>\n
Getting the proposed plan shelved is just the first step in BMA\u2019s work. The trail organisation is very organised and focused on supporting changes that will actually make trail use better for all kinds of activities, not just mountain biking.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re interested in supporting BMA\u2019s work, or learning more about how BMA is advocating for better trail experiences for all users, head to the organisation\u2019s website to read its full response, plan and proposed way forward<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n