No MTB'ing in Jefferson Memorial Forest
Don’t expect to be mountain biking in Jefferson Memorial Forest any time soon.
In Metro Parks 2008 RTP grant application they refused (once again) to allow mountain biking on our public trails. Remember, that approximately one decade ago we had access to parts of the forest, but were unceremoniously kicked out without any warning or public input.
So here we are in the middle of Metro Louisville’s Bike Friendly efforts (not to mention the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Initiative) and still no additional land for mountain bikers to ride on.
It’s very disconcerting to see the lack of local leadership in protesting these unfair and undemocratic policies. Why should Jefferson County taxpayers have to drive all the way to Otter Creek to enjoy a long mountain bike ride when we have thousands of acres right here in our own backyard?
Where's the outrage? Why should mountain bikers be treated like second class citizens while every major park trail system is open to equestrians?
I vote that we elect some soccer moms to head up our local advocacy efforts. That way we can rest assured that they’ll stand up and speak their minds and look out for the best interest of mountain bikers!
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What happens to you if you
What happens to you if you are found riding in Jeff Mem Forest? A ticket? Bike confiscated? I'm just wondering what penalty there may be.
Good questions. My guess is
Good questions. My guess is that Metro Parks would gladly relay any mtb misdeeds (whether unintentional or not) to our elected officials, to further delay access to our publicly financed trails.
With the ever-increasing cost of gasoline these days, it's a shame that Metro Parks will not allow local residents to access the trails in the forest.
Parks has long (and falsely) claimed that trails that will support horses will not support mountain bikers. Furthermore, it's the height of elitism and snobbery, to only allow only equestrians (and hikers) access to the 6,000 acre + forest.
Our elected officials need a reminder that we once had access to the forest over one decade ago, and were booted out by Metro Parks without any notice. We should organize group rides in the forest, and also let our elected officials and local media know, to bring the issue to a head.