[pct-l] The AT and cyclists

[abiegen at cox.net]

RE: Any movement by mountain bikers to get access to the AT. 
 
The National Trails System Act of 1968 defined the existing/proposed National 
Scenic Trails. It specifically states for the Appalachian Trail: 
 
"The Appalachian Trail shall be administered primarily as a footpath by the 
Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture." 
 
When the bill was written, the Appalachian Trail was well established and had a 
strong association to protect their vision. 
 
The fact that it is stated "primarily as a footpath" ensures that it cannot be 
opened to mountain bikes except by an act of Congress. Given that Congress has 
refused to act even as we careen toward the fiscal cliff (please excuse my one 
bipartisan political statement) it is extremely unlikely that the AT will be 
opened to MBers. 
 
IMBA definitely has their sights on Wilderness and started several years ago to 
propose alternate designations that they feel will allow mountain bikes. The 
MBers are trying to define a thin line since they hate dirt bikes. They cite the 
difference in speed and weight and how that impacts their safety. Hmmmmm.