Mountain bikers: Are you sure you want access to the trails west of town? It may not be such a good idea. Attaining access to the busy, historic trail corridors between Chautauqua and the South Mesa Trail trailhead could easily backfire.
Because of its proximity to our urban center, as well as the CU campus, this new riding opportunity will become a popular destination in and of itself. How could it not? The result could easily grow into issues of overuse, a rise in user conflicts, accidents and a big black eye on the entire mountain biking community, risking future access to the Northern corridor. This is bad strategy.
At our Southern border are the trails of Marshall Mesa, Community Ditch and Dowdy Draw. These are great trails but finite in terms of miles and future opportunities. To the north, besides an endless network of dirt roads, is Heil Valley Ranch, Hall Ranch, the Picture Rock trail, Eagle trail, Lefthand trail. Add to this possible future access to the feeder canal for the Boulder Reservoir. All this adds up to lots of miles and trails and open space for all levels of riders.
A western access trail to the south will be popular with CU cyclists who are ever changing and, as a result, difficult to educate on proper trail etiquette. Mountain bikers say they want trail access to the riding opportunities south of town. But, there has been access to the south of town for years via the Broadway bike path. We already have a safe alternative to Broadway. Sure it’s not dirt but it IS access. An access trail at the west side of town would add ride time, miles and effort to any ride at the south end of town. As a result, riders will still drive to those trailheads.
The Big Bluestem trail, with its long downhill and even bigger sight-distance, would allow a biker to go as fast as 20 mph. That’s like walking down one side of Ninth street between Maxwell and Alpine with traffic whizzing by at the speed limit. Not a good idea when you have a broad mix of users.
Mountain biking is mechanized travel, clear and simple, with all it’s advantages and that is what sets this form of recreation apart from other user groups. This is why mountain bikers need to pick their battles.
A more sensible discussion may be a northern access trail to where there are numerous riding opportunities, fewer people on the trail and a wider dispersion of users. To the mountain bikers that want it all: Be careful what you wish for!
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