Seems like there's something going on in between the lines on this. They need to be more honest about exactly what the "problem" is with the bikes. It could be reasonable to restrict some activities in some areas or define some sorts of limits (like priorities for right of way or speed limits, etc.)but without giving a better sense of why they need to impose restrictions, it's hard to see that it's justified. By the way, I'm assuming the "timber harvesting" is using modern skidders and other heavy machinery and not just oxen and draft horses so it's not exactly low impact.
It will be interesting to see if anyone comes up with decent justification or some sort of compromise.

Perhaps, Ms. Eichenberg should re-read LURC's definition of multi-use trails, and review the outside study that suggests how ME attain economic stability by promoting it's natural resources.
[Two strikes Kathy. One more and it's off to Iraq !]

An up date via the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

Jeff Miller, Executive Director for the BCM, spoke with three different involved parties in this situation and the bottom line is this; mountain bikes will have access to virtually the same trails we've been riding for years. The BCM intends to study the new plan and get some clarity on the essentials.

I spoke with Jeff this evening and he mentioned 'misquotes' and misunderstandings as causes for some of the confusion. The article has a lot more bark in it than actual bite and its questionable what particulars in the article are actually factual.

Stand by for more information. When we get some clearer answers, we will pass 'em on to you.

Thanks Carey for your passionate voice. Let's get this figured out and continue to enjoy some of the best off-road biking in the state.

Anyone hearing, or having knowledge of trail access issues, please give us a call at the BCM so that we can get it on our radar.

Pete

"Mountain bikers will no longer be able to enjoy this fine view along Stratton Brook Pond in the Bigelow Preserve now that the state has banned this disturbing recreational mode."

Please explain why mountain bikers will no longer be able to enjoy that view, if bikes are banned from trails. Are you incapable of WALKING?!

Or -- more likely -- are you telling a fib, in the hopes that it will make people feel sorry for you and allow you to continue practicing your very destructive sport in the park?

Inquiring minds want to know....

come out west and forget the snobby east coast.

my thoughts. do bikes pay any reg fees? one of the reasons they go first but do not worry the others will be next and i do not have a bike or want one but just like the other outdoor activities divide and win.

Last year I escaped the neo fascist, jack booted authoritarians of Appleton, WI. They were out to ban all bikes in the city. Now I see there is a sub faction of fascists that crept thier way out east. This is pathetic. Lets all quit biking and be hospitalized by age 52 because gooey fat Americanism is the way of the future. Time for a baconator. Pathetic, purely pathetic.

"Very destructive sport"? Last time I checked it was commonly accepted (even by non-mountain bikers) that mountain biking is no more destructive than horseback riding or group hikes. In fact it's been determined that horseback riding is MORE destructive since horses weigh a tad more. Oh yeah...those snowmobiles and logging equipment too. Common sense use goes a long way...hiking on muddy trails is just as bad as mountain biking. please make the effort to educate yourself before passing judgement.

How is mountain biking a destructive sport? what is wrong with people in this state? I don't see how mountain biking can be an more destructive than, hiking or horses would be? And certainly anyone who has seen what a timber operation can do to the landscape surely can't deem mountain bikes destructive?

I have lived in Maine most of my life, but have been fortunate to have been able to travel all over our country. And I have never spent time in a state that fights it natural resources more than Maine. We could easily have a premier mountain biking trail system and attract lots of tourism. Biking out West like a previous poster said is top notch and very well accepted.

But it seems we prefer to just fight over who gets to use the land. Some people want no one to use any of it, some only want hikers or only horses. Being an avid biker and hiker I see no reason why we can't all enjoy our abundant wooded land?
I think we need to embrace all the activites people want to do, biking, hiking, horseback riding, atving and snowmobiling. Surely we can find a way so all of us can enjoy Maine and all it has to offer.