Local off-road enthusiasts eagerly awaited the return of Louisville native Mike Heitz, after a lengthy stay in bike friendly Texas, to run our local parks department.
Unfortunately, Heitz’s relatively short stay has resulted in some of the most anti-mountain biking efforts ever pursued by parks. Today marks the one-year anniversary of Heitz’s letter (see below) to our Metro Council and Mayor detailing his stance on mountain biking. This letter may be the only time he’s ever stated on record his (anti) mountain biking views. Before reading, please keep the following in mind:
The defining moment of Heitz’s tenure was the Metro Planning & Design hosted Bike Summit back in February of 2005. Metro Parks made no mention whatsoever of mountain biking. The League of American Bicyclist’s (the certifying body for the Bike Friendly program) was so disappointed with Metro Parks approach that they partnered with IMBA and revised the application process to insure future applicants treated mountain biking with the respect and dignity it deserves.
In December of 2005 our Parks Director informed local mountain bikers that one (or more) groups would have to be eliminated at Cherokee Park (part of parks long-range strategy to ban mountain biking completely). It was only after mountain bikers objected and contacted their elected representatives, that the plan to ban mountain biking in Cherokee Park was scrapped.
Our Parks Director was well aware that we had been volunteering well over 1,000 hours per year for parks and we had even brought IMBA’s Trail Care Crew to town on three recent occasions to train parks personnel (at no charge I might add). In addition, he falsely claims that parks has expanded mountain biking into four parks over the last decade! How many people actually believe that there was no mountain biking in Louisville back in April of 1995? Just ask any old timer, we were riding in Jefferson Memorial Forest, Otter Creek, Waverly and Seneca Park well over one decade ago!
TO: Louisville Metro Council members
FROM: Michael J. Heitz
Director, Metro Parks
DATE: April 11, 2006
RE: Mountain Biking
I recently learned about the distribution of a letter to Metro Council members from a mountain biking advocacy group, and I’ve since heard that this group is claiming we have some intention of banning mountain biking throughout Louisville, which is completely inaccurate.
While I don't believe a point-by-point analysis of that letter is necessary, I do want to make you aware that it contained many misrepresented and incorrect facts, starting with the number of parks and exact acreage we’ve set aside for horseback riding and mountain biking. If you have concerns over specific points in that letter, please contact me.
Rather, I thought that I should outline our stance on mountain biking. Metro Parks recognizes that this is a legitimate sport, which is why we've expanded it into four parks over the past decade.
Further, we endorse the International Mountain Biking Association's stance that properly-designed trails can support multi-use activity (hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding). Incidentally, the local group has been unwilling to demonstrate their support of this philosophy, with its members sometimes harassing and denouncing horseback riders.
We believe there is a place for mountain biking in our parks, and – contrary to the assertions in the letter you received – we are exploring the development of new mountain biking trails in park land being acquired through the City of Parks initiative, a fact that we shared with this group in January. The source of their misunderstanding on this point seems to be a Bike Summit that they incorrectly state was hosted by Metro Parks; it was not.
Our chief frustration with mountain biking is that, locally, its participants seem unwilling to work with us to get existing sanctioned trail areas in good shape before adding new trail length in new parks.
To be fair, a small number of mountain bikers have joined us to work on trail projects, but the progress made on these work dates has been more than negated by the development of rogue trails and hazardous trail obstacles outside of those work dates. Despite repeated calls for cooperation, local mountain bikers have continued building dangerous and unapproved jumps.
We're not the only ones who have had difficulty working with this group. The Olmsted Parks Conservancy – our non-profit partner working to preserve and restore our 18 Olmsted Parks – manages our relationship with this group in Cherokee and Seneca Parks, and their experience mirrors our own.
In fact, we just learned that the local group has offered to reimburse someone for the expenses they incurred building and installing an unauthorized bridge along a trail in Seneca Park, despite repeated warnings not to make any alterations to trails without permission. Metro Parks must now spend staff time locating and inspecting this bridge to determine whether or not it is safe; if someone injures themselves on this bridge, it is Louisville Metro Government that will be sued, not the local advocacy group.
We have been clear that we will not sanction mountain biking in new parks until we have a demonstrated commitment to improve and enforce trail standards in the four parks where mountain biking is now allowed.
It's become more apparent that the local advocacy group is incapable of organizing mountain bikers because they represent only a small fraction of those who are active in the sport.
While I can't speak to the reasons behind this, we've heard from several mountain bikers expressing frustration with the tactics of this organization.
The group is correct on one point: our trails are not in the shape that they should be. When I became director of Metro Parks, I was surprised to learn that we had no formal program for trail maintenance. In last year's budget, I created a new Natural Areas program within our department, and this group is taking the lead on the development of consistent standards for designing, maintaining and marking trails. While we're making progress, we're responsible for more than 14,000 acres, so it's a gradual effort.
We've attempted to set a realistic tone for what can be done in a short time, but when it became clear to this group that they couldn't simply have everything they wanted right away, they resorted to name-calling and accusations.
Until local mountain bikers can become more organized, and are willing to have a realistic discussion to develop a vision for mountain biking in Louisville, we've come to the frustrating conclusion that attempting to work with this particular group does more harm than good. They continue to undo efforts to close rogue trails, and they have not discouraged the construction of obstacles that could lead to lawsuits against Louisville Metro Government.
We're informing the International Mountain Biking Association – a group that we believe does good, thoughtful work on behalf of their sport – that we'd like their assistance in developing trail standards, and in developing our own outreach program to the broader mountain biking community in Louisville.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
– Mike
To add insult to injury look at the response (or lack thereof) that parks provided to our Transit Authority of River City (TARC) during August of 2006 when they needed information to complete part of the Bike Friendly application.
Don, I am sorry but Jason never provided me with any of the information. I contacted him as well as Metro Parks several times and never received any form of a response. I left my phone and email but got nothing. Maybe he thinks one of his people responded but they never did. The only information I received on those questions was from you. Thank you once again for your responses Don and let me know if you need anything else. Have a great day!”
Planning Department
Transit Authority of River City
Both TARC and I repeatedly asked for Metro Parks support in completing the natural surface (dirt) trails portion of the Bike Friendly application, but we got nothing. When the above e-mail refers to “Jason” they’re talking about parks Public Information officer, who is supposed to be mountain bikers ally within parks.
The Bike Friendly process is a major initiative fully supported by our Mayor. He was recently a keynote speaker at the Bike Summit in Washington, D.C., and has prominently displayed Metro Louisville’s efforts on the home page of the city website.
In conclusion, we have thousands of acres of park land and public trails here in Jefferson County. No one should have to drive for more than 15 minutes in order to access an mtb trail. To insure this becomes a reality, please contact your elected representative and request parks to open up existing trails for mountain biking.
Positive Approach
Don,
I understand you are frustrated with the past practices of Metro Parks and their less than positive relationship with KYMBA. However, reading both sides of this year old document, Mr. Heitz does not speak negatively of mountain biking as a sport or as a viable addition to many new areas, but he does express his frustration with the LOCAL organization of the mountain biking community.
Granted, many of his points may not be 100% accurate (mountain bikers creating jumps) but, until recently, riding the off-limits areas of Cherokee Park was the norm.
From my perspective (a non-Louisvillian looking at this from the outside), with the 13 hour race in Cherokee Park and other areas in which they are working with KYMBA, we should focus on their positive actions and build from there as opposed to dredging up the past and applying them to current issues (Waverly trail reroute). Mountain biking is just a small part of what Metro Parks has to manage and, as stated in Mr. Heitz's letter, it will take time for the growth to happen.
It is said that if you fail to learn from history, you are doomed to fail in the future, but I think history has shown that the previous attempts to work with Metro Parks were not fruitful, but the current attempts are. With that lesson in mind, we need to move away from the torch and pitchfork mentality with regard to every wrong that we perceive the mountain biking community is enduring, and embrace and praise the efforts that are positively impacting our sport to encourage more of these success stories.
With all due respect and appreciation for your passion,
John
What a mess...
I'm glad I don't live in Louisville, although they will be getting and Apple store later this year or early next so there are some positives.
One interesting way to think about this is there are a lot of mountain bikers who ride the trails in Louisville and are probably unaware of all this political stuff. In their case its probably a good thing and they can just focus on riding.
I hope to get more involved this summer with my favorite nearby ride areas; CVP, Cave Run and Laurel Lake.
CVP Trail Day
Here's your chance, Scott!
REPOST from KYMBA
"I know this is short notice, but we will have a trail day this saturday at 11. There is lots of stuff all over the trails and it really needs attention. We will also try to discuss a direction for trail work,re-routes, new trails.Any help would be usefull,even if it is just 30 minutes to pick up some limbs on the trail before you ride.
Thanks,
Friddle"
Glad you don't live in Louisville???
You're kidding right?? At least we have trails in the Ville. Whomever laid out Lexington should be shot, it's nothing but subdivisions and strip malls. Anyway, I agree with what you said about the politics thing, really the relationship with MP isn't that bad anymore since we mended all the fences. They got a race scheduled in Cherokee, are actively discussing a freeride park and are dialed into the huge new parks initiative. Things are looking up.
Later,
Pat
again
here we go again
can we
get an ignore button???
Its on the
Its on the front of your computer! Douuughh!
MP Director, MTB Friend or Foe?
Lexington mayor Jim Newberry has $2,000,000 in his proposed budget for developing recreational trails. Anybody have any spare woods around Fayette County for trail construction???? :)
http://www.kentucky.com/454/story/39370.html
"And the budget includes $2 million to develop recreational trails throughout the city. Newberry said he hopes that money will spark a push to build more trails and bike paths throughout the city."
Courier Journal yesterday
Courier Journal yesterday had an article about a botanist that was working to catalog the native species in cheroseneca. It eluded to $5 million that the Olmstead Conservancy is about to dump into that park. Further the botanist specifically named rogue trails as the main culprits for the destruction of the natural habitat.
If one were to read between the lines, I believe this could spell the end of mountian biking in that park. When you dump $5 million into a park system you sort of buy the right to limit access. And since Olmsted has long had its cross hairs on knobby tire riders then the future doesn't look so good. Especially given our history of riding the wrong trails, building dirt jumps and other stuff, and outing last years back handed maneuvers to expel us from the park.
For those of you that don't live around or ride the park, there has been a massive undertaking to rid it of Japanesse Honey suckle and other invasives that took hold after the 74 tornadoes laid the are to waste.
like most everything in life
@scott
Like most everything in life you have to take the good with the bad. I can ride my bike to Cheroseneca. I can drive a little and ride Duffield, Otter Creek, and Waverly.
Its not all that bad! I am keeping my fingers crossed that the city of parks will bring mountain biking into the fold.
I'm looking for one...
I've dug around Drupal looking for this add on. It is needed and should be simple to 'ignore' a user and not see their posts etc. I will add this as soon as I find the best method.
I lived just outside of Denver for 2 years so I know what its like to be able to hop on your bike and just go ride. I also had a long sweet trail right behind my apartment building when I lived in Fredericksburg VA. I'm not putting Louisville down, I just wouldn't want to live there (I don't live in Lexington either). I like riding at CVP but trails like that, just crammed into a small park are good fun but not on my list of top places to ride. I'd much rather drive to Laurel Lake or Cave Run and really be out there. Its not as convenient but thats just my opinion. I used to ride 4 times a week, now I'm lucky to ride one time a week, plus I try to do a road ride once a week. I've ridden probably 75% or more of the known trails in the state. But again, this is just my point of view.
I wish I could help at CVP this weekend but I'll be in Denver.
Sean, thanks for sharing the
Sean, thanks for sharing the article info!
I agree that we have to worry, given our experience with parks, as well as some local mtb’er’s referring to the trails as only “so-so.”
It’s also interesting how Olmsted designed the park to be enjoyed by the “masses” yet the trail system at Cherokee (and all other major parks within the system) caters to a very elite clientele (equestrians).
If one looks at the time-line, tornado 1974, and Olmsted being formed in the mid 1980’s, it makes you wonder what they’ve been doing in all that time to actually preserve the green forested areas of the park. The answer is rather obvious: very little. Olmsted has taken the lead on building/restoring items within eyesight of the roadways, and dropped the ball in regards to providing stewardship of the forested areas.
“Rogue trails” is another interesting aspect, and one that parks continually plays against mountain bikers. One of the most basic items of any forested area is trails. Yet Metro Parks has devoted practically zero resources or leadership in regards to building and maintaining a trail system within the park (and most others for that matter). They’ve sat back and done virtually nothing, aside from blaming trail users for creating “rogue trails.”
It would be no different, if parks didn’t put up any basket ball goals/courts in the parks, and then blamed basketball players for putting up “rogue” hoops. If they had provided trail leadership and built and maintained well marked trails, you wouldn’t have any “illegal” trail building. But it’s their standard mode of operation to avoid responsibility and blame park users whenever possible.
Backwards
.
I read that article and they
I read that article and they blame the trash yadda yadda yadda on the mountain bikers. I'll post a link to the article in a second, but there will be some changes made to that park. That's what I got from the article. We have to preserve the native species of Louisville!
Here's the link to the article
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070411/ZONE0...
Article targets bikers
If you don't have time to read the article here's some interesting things it points out.
Erosion, in part from "rogue" trails carved out by the parks' users, has washed sediment and litter into Beargrass Creek and killed trees by exposing their roots, conservancy literature says.
While Seneca and Cherokee "may look lush and green, these urban forests are dying and in desperate need of your help," the literature says.
If nothing is done, "within 10 years, half the trees will be gone," Bill Juckett, the conservancy's board chairman, said at a recent gathering of horticulturalists and naturalists at Whitehall Historic Home on Lexington Road
Just look at the timelines.
Just look at the timelines. The article mentioned something about a 7 to 10 year horizon to have a report/study complete on all local Olmsted Parks, which also happens to coincide w/the opening of the first phase of the our City of Parks iniative.
Therefore, it's certainly conceivable that the trade-off would be to oust mountain bikers from the park at that time (because the "experts" decided they damage the vegetation) and provide them w/new trails in the new parks. A potentially troubling aspect for mountain bikers is that the recent public meeting about the new park land was dominated by the equestrian crowd. And we all know how well local multi-use trail sharing has faired.
85%
Don,
If your referring to the Floyds Fork public forum you are correct. More than 85 - 90% of those people present were equestrians/horse riders. They were extremely well organized and huge in #'s. There were 3 (Three) MTBrs.
The audience was asked to place a post it on a map of the park land to identify potential interest. When we finally got to it there were post it notes approx 1/4" thick saying (Equestrian path)
There is certainly strength in numbers
Cherokee is a snoozefest
Personally I see no problem with a trade off that adds more miles in a new location. Cherokee park is a snoozefest (when ridden according to the rules)!
There is little or no relief in the area and not much in the way of scenery (landscape ;) it is basically a series of small trails that form no continuous loop YAWN!
The only upside is that its right in the city which is unique. but once you have ridden 20 times by may 1st it is boring.