I am sure you have all heard about this. There is a rule change afoot that will make it easier to permit bicycling in national parks. we need about 5000 more comments nationally to get it passed.
Follow the link below and click on ‘send a comment or submission http://www.regulations.gov/search/se…d=11E8A2ED5224
Consider writing a tailored message. here are some talking points from IMBA . . . Sample Letter
Thank you for accepting my comments concerning RIN 1024-AD72, the National Park Service rule change for bicycling. I fully support the proposed rule.
1. The special regulations process that restricts bicycling on trails is unduly burdensome and duplicates protections that are already addressed by the NPS General Management Plan and the National Environmental Policy Act.
2. This proposed rule would give park superintendents better tools for opening trails to bicycling. It would also treat bicycles like other non-motorized trail uses, such as horseback riding.
3. Independent scientific studies, including those conducted by the National Park Service, have shown the environmental impacts of mountain biking are similar to those of hiking, and far less than other uses.
4. The best research regarding social interactions on trails reveals those who encounter other user groups report very favorably on their interactions. Claims otherwise are unsupported by scientific data.
5. Shared-use trails are a successful management tool worldwide. NPS staff are skilled at selecting appropriate trails for shared-use by hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
6. This rule will aid visitor enjoyment for both children and adults. Bicycling broadens the recreational offerings and gets Americans out of their cars and into the natural world. It connects people of all ages with the natural environment and is a fun, low-impact activity.
7. Improving opportunities for bicycling and promoting trails tourism could benefit economic conditions for nearby communities.
8. Mountain bikers are prolific volunteers–conducting nearly one million hours of trailwork on public lands annually–and could help build environmentally sound, sustainable trails.
Thank you for considering my comment. Bicycling is a wonderful way to
explore our national parks and I hope the proposed rule change will be
implemented.
This is what I wrote:
I am the current acting president of Respopnsible Organized Mountain Pedalers. We are one of the oldest mountain bike advocay agencies in the country and our 300+ members are representative of the over 100,000 mountain bikers in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
We fully support the passage of the new rule RIN 1024-AD72 – the National Park Service Rule change for bicycling. Changing this rule would relive an unruly and burdensome process that is already covered by existing legislation under the NPS general management Plan and the EPA. In addition, it would allow local superintendants who are closer to and better understand the constituents who use their parks better control over how to manage those parks and how peoplep use them.
Studies show that shared use is a viable and favorable method for managing trail use around the world, and bikes are not more damaging to the environment than hiking or horseback riding where appropriate. Bicycling broadens the recreational offerings and gets Americans out of their cars and into the natural world. It connects people of all ages with the natural environment and is a fun, low-impact activity. Providing more recreational opportunities and methods in National Parks will increase use of our national treasures.
Thank you for your consideration and we hope to explore more national Parks by bike in the future.
You can also do it via imba
https://secure2.convio.net/imba/site…dInterest=1004
