[pct-l] Compromise

[Bill Thompson]

I am concerned that land managers and officals who often make compromises to 
save part of a natural area from development or change due to human 
activity, may look at this situation in a similar manner. Any compromise 
with mtb groups will result in a net loss for hikers.

Bill Thompson
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brick Robbins" <brick at brickrobbins.com>
To: "PCT" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2012 1:21 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Arguments for Bikes on the PCT


> This is my personal opinion, not a position as list admin.
> ==========
>
> I've been reading a lot of the arguments for Bikes on the PCT and I
> have come to this conclusion:
>
> The only goal of the MTB people is universal access to all trails.
>
> The exact reasons don't matter to them, and they change them often and
> quickly to gain whatever advantage the think they can.
>
> Therefore, "negotiating"with them is not worthwhile, because the
> specific issues are irrelevant. All that matters is getting access.
> Nothing else.
>
> For example on the Tahoe Rim Trail, there was a  "COMPROMISE" that was
> reached to voluntarily restrict MTBs in some sections only even days.
> It sounds like a great solution, it is reasonable, "fair" and sounds
> goods in public forums and on paper. There are big signs on the trail
> announcing this as a rule (though it is not.)
>
> The Reality is that in the MTB world it is widely publicized that this
> is "VOLUNTARY," not a law. One Saturday when I hiked such a section on
> a "closed day," I was passed by tons of bikes, many traveling at high
> speed.
>
> When I talked to the TRT association director about this, she pretty
> much blew me off, and pointed to the "COMPROMISE" as a viable
> solution, and assured me the MTB community was reasonable and was
> abiding by it.
>
> I'm usually not big on "slippery slope" arguments, but I firmly
> believe this is one. The MTB community is already "banditing" the
> "Perfect Cycling Trail," if they are allowed even a toehold leggaly,
> or any compromises are made on access, the PCT will go the way of the
> TRT.
>
> http://goo.gl/tvVNz
> http://goo.gl/mP5YN
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