IMBA California Continues to Push for Bicycle Access to Bill's Trail

For Immediate Release 7-10-09

Contact Mark Eller
IMBA Communications Director
markeller@imba.com
303-545-9011 ext. 115

California State Parks recently announced that it will delay its plans to open Bill's Trail to bicycle use, but mountain bikers are still pushing for more equitable access to this and other trails in Marin County. "Our position has not changed," notes IMBA California Policy Advisor Tom Ward. "Mountain biking is a popular activity that promotes health and well-being, and it's compatible with other recreational uses. We fully expect that state parks will soon introduce a new plan to facilitate increased bicycle access."

During a recent public commentary period, IMBA facilitated more than 1,500 comments sent from individuals to state parks in favor of adopting shared-use status for Bill's Trail. Acting in partnership with local affiliates Access4Bikes and the Bicycle Trails Council of Marin, IMBA also seeks similar management strategies for the Diaz Ridge and Easy Grade trails on Mount Tamalpais, and the Mount Burdell trail in Olompali State Historical Park.

According to a July 8 online poll hosted on the Marin Independent Journal's website, an overwhelming majority of their readers agree (by a three to one margin) that the state should allow more access for mountain biking.

There is plentiful evidence that well-designed trails can be successfully shared by various user groups, and that mountain biking is a low-impact form of recreation. Nonetheless, some groups are attempting to block the parks department's efforts. In particular, the Marin Conservation League has stated that it will challenge the legality of opening Bill's Trail to bicycle use. "It is unfortunate that opposing recreation groups want to wage a legal battle," says Ward. "IMBA has taken a partnership approach to its dealings with state parks, because it is a more productive use of everyone's time and money. We don't expect that we will always get exactly what we ask for, but we do expect to see progress -- the current approach is not adequately serving a large group of citizens."