Request Calif. State Parks Reconsider a Proposal That Would Curtail Bicycling and Equestrian Access

I enjoy California State parks and enjoy their established trails in many ways (hiking, bicycling, and equestrian uses). I thank you for taking an interest in our public land preservation. While I am supportive of measures to preserve lands, I am not supportive of measures that reduce multi-use access to trails.

I do not support the proposed Public Resources Code “S4360- Trail Use” change that reads: “Unless designated by the Department, all trails are open to pedestrians and closed to all other uses”.  I do not support this change for the following reasons:

– This change sends an unwelcoming message to the public who want access to their state parks, which is contrary and inconsistent with other stated policies that stress a welcome greeting.
– It does not match with State Parks’ mission, which is, in part, to create “opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.”
– It will limit future opportunities for thousands of cyclists and equestrians because superintendents will not be required or compelled to open trails to these uses. Historically, superintendents have been reluctant to open trails to bicyclists and equestrians under the existing policy.
– It will decrease outdoor opportunities for the public just at a time when exercise is encouraged as a way to deal with the epidemic of obesity.
– It will negatively impact the thousands of youths in the state who participate in school mountain bike leagues.
– It will alienate state park supporters/stewards and an entire generation of young people that want and need to access the outdoors.
– It directly contradicts efforts of the Parks Forward Committee that is studying ways to make state parks more responsive to the needs of communities.
– It ignores real-world success stories in Calif. that demonstrate how shared trails enhance quality of life for thousands of state residents.

I request that the following language be used for Public Resources Code S4360 Trail Use:

“State park trails are open to non-motorized users including hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians unless otherwise designated. Trail use designations are established based upon user needs, visitor safety and environmental sustainability. This includes access to trails in Reserves and Preserves, as defined in PRC Sections 5019.65, 5019.71 and 5019.74, where particular emphasis will be placed upon importance of public access to the area, or desirability of providing important connections to other trails, provided impacts to special resources for which the area was established will be less than significant.”