Wednesday Readers' Forum

I have been following the recent dialogue regarding whether or not to permit bicyclists on "single track" trails on Mt.

[Market Watch]

"In contrast, Gary Ford presents a series of problems. Given that he supports retrofitting the city's public services infrastructure, his opposition to the bond to pay for it and his promises to come up with an "alternative plan" ring hollow, given the ongoing budget deficit. His harsh rhetoric could plunge our council to the notorious level of the Fairfax Town Council or Marin Healthcare District board. He is a banker with one of Marin's largest banks, already possessing considerable power over many in the community - its debtors.Such relationships promise an unending stream of conflicts of interest. To invoke a movie reference, electing Mr. Henry F. Potter to the City Council is the last thing we need. Burk Braun, San Rafael"

You must be one of the contributors or supporters of the Jonathan Freiman hit piece against Mr. Ford. Gary is far from being the likes of Henry Potter in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life". You better drag out your DVD and watch the movie again.

[A Marin Voter]

"Safety must come first"

Just say NO - to permitting bicyclists on "single track" trails on Mt. Tamalpais.

[Vote NO on G]

Vote NONONONONONONONONN000!!!!!!!NO NO NO!!!

[wookie trail user]

More Bull from selfish trail users I regularly hike Tamarancho and China Camp. I never have a problem also when I hike Tam and come across trail poachers on bikes how come they are always so polite? Quit the hype even if you make trail poaching a felony it wont stop it.

[Moe]

Wow! A mtb'er who gets it, and actually has some consideration for how mtb riding effects other users... rather than their own selfish good time. Thanks, Ms. Jessup.

[No Eklund]

Vote eklund out. she has served her time and built the Millworks building

[Miranda Wagner San Rafael]

In response to the "safety must come first" article, I cannot tell you how happy I was to actually hear a cyclist, of all things, come out with this. Overjoyed, at least, to hear the common sense! I have had numerous occasions as a hiker and equestrian where I felt my right to be there completely disregarded, my safety threatened, and the peace and serenity of my experience abruptly interrupted by the anonymous speeding reckless behavior of these adult children. In order to avoid getting myself all riled up, let it suffice to say, I thank you for your words. I agree, bikes must stay off, permanently, the single track trails.

[Miranda Wagner San Rafael]

wookie trail user wrote:

More Bull from selfish trail users I regularly hike Tamarancho and China Camp. I never have a problem also when I hike Tam and come across trail poachers on bikes how come they are always so polite? Quit the hype even if you make trail poaching a felony it wont stop it.

See that is the problem: Even a potential felony won't stop you from trail poaching! Maybe the reason you say they are so "polite" while so poaching, is because they know they shouldn't be there. That has not been my experience with cyclists ever. Where do you get off thinking this is OK for such blatant disregard!!

[Mike in Terra Linda]

FORD all the way.
Vote NO on measure G and Barbara Heller.

[Michael AZ to NorCal]

Miranda Wagner San Rafael wrote:

<quoted text>
See that is the problem: Even a potential felony won't stop you from trail poaching! Maybe the reason you say they are so "polite" while so poaching, is because they know they shouldn't be there. That has not been my experience with cyclists ever. Where do you get off thinking this is OK for such blatant disregard!!

If the trails weren't illegal, trail users would not have to be concerned about breaking the law. It is time to recognize that cyclists are a legitimate trail user just like hikers, dog walkers, runners and even horse riders even though horses do more damage to trails than any other users.

I have been advocating and maintaining trails with land managers for 17 years as a cyclist. I know the difference when it comes to trail damage and who shows up to fix the trails. The NIMBY attitude in Marin is unsustainable. The land managers need active volunteers, can quit wasting resources on enforcement by updating their policies to align with the majority of the nation and allow cyclists on narrow trails just like other trails users enjoy.

The votes will tell the story.