Biking in National Parks

[Peaks]

Does this mean that potentially mountain biking might be allowed along the AT?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/us/19bikes.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

[Mags]

Does this mean that potentially mountain biking might be allowed along the AT?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/us/19bikes.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss


I don't see it happening on the Smokies, but it is distinct possibility in the Shenandoah due to the tread.

Each NP director will decide it seems.

[BlackCloud]

Well, your 1st mistake is believing anything you read in the NY Times.

2nd, the biking in NPS units (not just National Parks per se) issue mainly revolves around newer units of the Service, located in the West, where biking was allowed before it became a unit of the Park Service.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is its own unit of the National Park Service. The Superintendent of Shenandoah NP cannot change the allowable uses of the AT without permission from the Sup. of the AT in Harper's Ferry.

Unless James Watts gets that job, that ain't happening....

[Mags]

http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/new_rule_could_ease_mountain_bikes_into_national_p arks/C559/L559/

With a new rule out this week, Bush’s Interior Department has given National Park superintendents more leeway in letting mountain bikes on park trails.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27183753/


The National Park Service confirmed Tuesday that it is preparing a rule that will allow decisions about some mountain bike trails to be made by park managers instead of federal regulators in Washington, a process that can take years.


http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2008/12/bush-administration-publishes-proposed-rule-mountain-biking-national-parks

Pushed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (http://www.imba.com/), the rule, which is attached below and open to public comment (http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=09000064807e0687) for the next 60 days, would give individual park superintendents more power to authorize mountain bike trails in their parks. While conservation groups said the proposed rule could lead mountain bikers down hiking trails and into lands that are either proposed for or eligible for wilderness designation, IMBA officials said the proposal merely makes it easier for parks where mountain bikes make sense to allow their use.



http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-29892.htm (the actual govt proposal)

"As a general matter, the proposed rule provides park superintendents with a more efficient and effective way to determine whether opening existing trails to bicycles would be appropriate in the park unit they manage."

..and so on.

Perhaps the AT itself won't be open to mtn bikes, but I suspect some the easier trails in parks may be - depending upon the Superintendent of said park.

As for the AT? The AT is not officially a national park, though under the jurisdiction of the NPS. I do not know enough legalities to understand how this new (proposed) bill could affect the AT in GSMNP or SNP, however. I admittedly ignorant of the legal points.

It is obvious however that MTBiking is probably going to be allowed in most (if not all) national parks, and not just the newer ones as you stated.

Depends upon the superintendent, of course. But I suspect there will be more trails open to MTBiking in the NPS. Reflects the reality (for better or worse) of how people use the outdoors for recreation.

[weasel and bunny]

Oops. First of all about two months late on this story. Second, under the proposed rule it would be up to the individual parks on what, if any, trails to open to bikes. I grew up in national parks and wouldn't mind a couple of my favorite flat, not well used trails opened to bikes as I often wished I could ride my bike on them. BUT there are others that should NEVER be opened to bike. Several heads of local mountain bike groups agree. Alpine, high-country and other trails should be open to foot and horse traffic only.
The AT, my vote would be no bikes.

[Frick Frack]

Alpine, high-country and other trails should be open to foot and horse traffic only.
The AT, my vote would be no bikes.

Horse traffic? Horses cause more damage than just about ANYTHING! I hate hiking where horses have been. Bicycles are MUCH easier on the trails but neither should be allowed in alpine & high-country trails nor on the AT.

[weasel and bunny]

Frick Frack
You're not the only one who thinks that but I have to disagree. From the trail work that I have done what I have seen is that mountain bikers tearing down hills ripping around corners causes the worst non-motorized trail damage. Even flat and straight riding cuts in good ruts.
For example I was recently at a bike race where approximately 100 bike laps were ridden around an old two-track road closed now to vehicles. After the race was over the course was pretty well tore up. I would argue that 100 horse laps would not cause that much damage.
IMO though.

[BlackCloud]

I don't understand the pessimism.

Just b/c Park sups will have more leeway in determining what if any trails are open to bikes does not mean most or all park sups will in fact allow biking. That line of thinking takes a leap in logic to accept.

1st, almost all park sups are career park rangers, the gross majority of which are self proclaimed tree huggers. 2nd, bikes would only be allowed in non-wilderness areas, as your posts admit.

Have you been to Mojave National Preserve? It's too hot to hike (I don't bike) and the mining & ranching have so damaged the land, why not allow bikes...:eek:

[Mags]

I don't understand the pessimism.



Not being pessimistic, just realistic. At least in the West, many places are multi-use. Plus backpacking has declined quite a bit in the past decade or so.


I can see mountain bikes being used on old fire roads, non-steep wooded trails, etc. in National Parks.

We'll just have to wait and see. At this point, any guess on our parts is just that: a guess. :sun

[leeki pole]

Lighten up, dudes....mountain bikes leave no manure trace and I can't believe that anyone would say they do more damage than equine presence.....sheesh......hiking poles and hikers leave more of a footprint.
Read.....trash, toilet paper, shelter scum....give me a break. And no emissions for you tree huggers out there. Yeah, I hug trees but I love to ride my bike as well. Can't we all just get along?

[Mags]

I didn't say YES or NO on my views on mtbikes. Just reporting the facts, ma'am (sir). :)


My views on mtnbikes, I tend to be a moderate.... When you work side-by-side with mtnbikers on trail projects, you tend to take a more open view. :)

[wisenber]

I backpack and mountain bike. I've done trail maintenance to support both. Many multi-use trails merely put up signs restricting the use of the trails by mountain bikes when the conditions are wet enough to do damage. Those same sign mention that foot traffic always has the right of way on the trail. Common sense trail management can allow multi-use without the damage. By opening trails to bike use, your also opening trail maintenance to bike groups.

Oh, and horses do tear up a slick ascent more than a bike. I've had to repair enough of it.

[buckwheat]

Quick question for the mountain bikers: Who has the right of way on mixed use trail?

In "everyday life" the pedestrian always has the right of way on any surface. I'm wondering if this is true in the hills as well.

[Lone Wolf]

On the virginia creeper trail, horses have the right of way.

[Sly]

Quick question for the mountain bikers: Who has the right of way on mixed use trail?

In "everyday life" the pedestrian always has the right of way on any surface. I'm wondering if this is true in the hills as well.

Horses, people, bikes have priority in that order. I've seen damage by both horses and bikes. Whoever said, people cause more damage, is delirious.

[Mags]

A sign designed by IMBA: (http://www.imba.com/)

http://www.glendaleaz.com/ParksandRecreation/trails/images/yieldsign.jpg

[mudhead]

That is what is posted in Acadia NP.

Easier to yield to everyone. Works out better, more smiles.

[hopefulhiker]

I hope they keep bikes off the AT. I was run off the trail by a gang of bikers, very inconsiderate.. I did not mind the maintainers on horseback in the Smokies though..

[Chappy]

Maintainers are not the only horse traffic in GSMNP. Many, many trails are open to horses.