[pct-l] survey on trail conflicts

[David Thibault]

Maybe I'm just selfish - but for me it is not about the safety, although I
know enough to know that horses and bikes do not mix.

It's not about the wear on the trail, although I know enough to know the
bike tracks create ruts and do more long term damage than hooves or foot
prints.

Its not about bells or rudeness or any other point you can bring up.

For me it's about these trails that were built as -- foot paths --  by
hikers/equestrians so we could get away from the mechanized world for a
while.  To me for "a while" is measured in months.  Your presence there
takes away something for me - again maybe I'm being selfish.  If you really
want to ride through these areas - just go ahead and build your own
separate trails, hikers/equestrians have developed these trails over many
generations of hard work and difficult fights (that continue to this
day!).   With 50 to 100 years of effort think of the great trails you could
develop too.   Currently there are only two long distance trails in the US
that don't have bikes, at least that I am aware of (the AT and PCT).  You
are trying to take away the one of these two trails, the one that is the
more remote and isolated.

I don't really expect you to understand that I go out there to get away
from what you are attempting to bring to the trail - we have a completely
different view point on this that probably can't be reconciled.  So don't
expect arguments with logical points to score points when the whole premise
of your goal is against what I, again being selfish, use the trails for.


Day-Late


> It's refreshing that we can put to rest the safety argument regarding
> sharing trails.? I do see how safety would be the major and valid
> concern...it would be for me too :^)
>
> There is still room for education, and great examples have been mentioned
> - such as mountain bikers and equestrians working together on trail days.?
> Do y'all have others?
>
> What's really left is a slight change in user experience.? I am open on
> how to address that issue...bells?, advocacy/education? Easier reporting
> system for trail offenders?? Improved signage? All of the above?
>
> Please realize/remember - This does not effect the Wilderness areas, nor
> the entirety of the areas falling outside the designated Wilderness.
>
> Many portions of the PCT are 'un-rideable', or the location does not lend
> itself cycling.? The encounters would be minimal, infrequent....and
> hopefully welcome and pleasant if we are able to understand and respect?
> each others point of view.
>
> Thanks for listening :^)
>
>
> PS - if it's not abundantly clear I am Pro-Mountain Bike.? I figure if
> y'all bring up issues for dialogue on the FB page (which is appreciated..no
> sarcasm) I could do the same here...in a respectful, non-confrontational
> fashion.
>