[pct-l] Arguments for Bikes on the PCT

[Lindsey Sommer]

I know that in their official statement, the PCTA mentioned that an
environmental impact study would have to happen before anything is decided.

Also, beyond erosion and spooking horses, there still seems to be a huge
safety factor in the hiker/MTBer sharing a trail. I totally believe that
there's MANY really courteous careful bikers (I know many!) who are super
aware of people being around a turn, but there's also inevitably going to
be some irresponsible ones who bomb down trails etc. Should the rest of the
community be responsible for the actions of these individuals? That's a
tough question, and while the answer should probably be "no", that doesn't
make me feel any safer as a hiker :(

Brick brings up some good points about the TRT and even days for biking,
and how these rules are pretty much not followed. I think it could be super
informative actually to share that story on the "Sharing the PCT" page and
see what kind of insight the people there have about that. I assume part of
their answer would be along the lines of "But multi use trails work just
fine, we don't need alternate days". It's in interesting topic for sure!

Lindsey


On Sat, Oct 20, 2012 at 1:39 PM, Matthew Edwards <iceaxehikes at gmail.com>wrote:

> It sounds like the strongest arguments we have Against bicycles gaining
> access to the PCT,
>  aside from the obvious aestetic losses, are: Erosion and Spooking Horses.
>
> I also like SteelEye's summary of the actual percentage of trails open to
> bikes compared to the PCT.
>
> We need to compile data, such as the effect opening the TRT to bikes has
> had on trail erosion,and hiker and equestrian experiences.
>
> What about envronmental studies?
> Shouldn't the whole matter of bikes on the PCT be shelved until proper
> environmental
> studies are done in regards to their impact?
> That could take years or even decades ;)
> Let's no just hope so but find a way to make it happen.
>
> -iceaxe
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.
>