I started mountain biking this year. I am a very keen snowboarder in winter, and love being out in the mountains, so mountain biking seemed like a great summer alternative.
I also am very conscious of participating in sports that have minimal impact on the environment. For this reason I usually avoid any sports that require a motor. But I have heard mountain bikers come under quite a lot of criticism for the damage they allegedly do to trails.
In fact, in recent years, hiking and environmental groups in some parts of the country have lobbied to ban mountain bikers from trails on the grounds that mountain bikes damage the environment. Some land managers have closed trails to bikers because of alleged, excessive resource damage.
Here in Fernie, the mountain bike community is big, and growing. Bikers depends on, firstly, those that maintain the trails, and also the landowners that allow them to ride through their properties. And also they need to share the trails with other people, mostly hikers.
Naturally, there will be conflict between those using the trails for different reasons. If an off leash dog jumps up on a passing biker, he or she will probably be quite upset. Likewise, a hiker is going to get aggravated by a biker hurtling down the trail towards him as he is slowly making his way up. Consequently, both groups would prefer to have the trails used exclusively for their activity, and so the mud slinging begins.
The truth is, the environmental impact of both activities is very similar, and accusing bikers of causing more damage just isn’t accurate. The use of the trails is really based on politics rather than science. Those that own land in the valley have every right to stop bikers and hikers using trails, whether it’s because they feel it is damaging to the vegetation, or because people are hiking and their dogs are off leash and chasing their cows. As trail users, we should respect that they have this right, and act appropriately on the trails. This means only biking on trails when they are dry, sticking to the trails, and keeping dogs on leash where it is required. I love being able to enjoy being out in the mountains in summer, and don’t take access to trails for granted. The Fernie Trails Alliance works hard to maintain trails and keep them open. Let’s use them responsibly and not make it any harder for them.
