[pct-l] Wheels in Wilderness Areas

[Steve Rolfe]

When I was in Search and Rescue we used wheeled litters for carrying out injured people.  There was one big fairly heavy bicycle wheel under the middle of the sled.  It took some effort to learn to manage on steep trails, but it beat the heck out of 6 people carrying by hand which we also did in some conditions.  By the way it takes 24 people to carry someone out in four groups of 6 changing groups every five minutes or less.

I don't ever remember having a discussion about whether they were legal or not.

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Jacobs [mailto:youroldpaldan at gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 4:59 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Fw: wheeled backpack

On Tue, Jan 22, 2013 at 4:27 PM, Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com> wrote:
> I also doubt that there would be an exception to allow wheels on the PCT for any reason.

I haven't seen in the Wilderness Act or the NST act where wheels are prohibited. I desire to be know the truth of the matter, but I just can't find it. If someone knows exactly where in either the WA or NSTA where wheels are banned, I would like to know.

>From the USFS PCT FAQ page:
"Can anybody travel on the PCT?

The trail is open to the public for foot and equestrian travel only; bicycle and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Persons who camp overnight along the trail often may need a backcountry permit in several of the management units. Other areas may require an entrance or parking permit. Please check with the local area manager for specific site information."
(http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/pct/home/?cid=stelprdb5310782)

Unless someone has more specific information banning wheels from the PCT or wilderness areas, I'd appreciate if the spreading of false info would stop. I cannot find any info banning wheels form the PCT. Again, if there is some info I cannot find from congress, the USFS, or other agency banning wheels on the PCT or in wilderness areas, I would like to know this, soit would be helping me out to share the info with me, and others.

>If they ever did, it would be the beginning of a slippery slope. The Mountain Bikers would jump on the opportunity.

Anyone that cannot see the difference between a wheeled pack carrier that is pulled by someone's feet pushing against the ground and any kind of bicycle or other mechanical conveyance is just too prejudiced about the issue, in my opinion. I have seen some evidence that the mountain bikers *may* have a better grasp on the difference than some hikers, and while I will not win any friends here by saying that, the Truth is the most important thing in any issue I care about, so I seek it.

Cabin feverish,
Dan Jacobs
Washougal