The beautiful, quiet trail near Junction Creek-Logchutes, would be modified to become a single-use bike speed/jump course. Access is at the campground or higher. Campers can’t use it unless on a bike if it becomes single use. Off seasons, hiking on this lower trail is a good option, and bikers belatedly have discovered this, now demanding exclusive use. I value the views, quiet and easy access and have been hiking there with friends for 15 years. For years, I hiked old roads and trails and never saw a biker, but now that they have also “discovered” new places, they think it is theirs.

A precedent for any single use should not be set. I ran in the first Share the Trails event and wondered how all uses could coexist safely. Biker speed is dangerous for hikers and horsebackers. Motorbikes forewarn by their noise at least. Bikers are quiet, but often reckless. Let’s not reward any group with the first-ever single-use trail. We all have to share and act responsibly.

The bike community should continue with Trails 2000, bike manufacturers, and private-sector interests to develop extreme sports elsewhere nearby for bikers who want log jumps, bumps, air and speed. Also, liability would not then be the concern of the Forest Service or community. Let’s stop damaging the forests and trails in pursuit of excitement. Public lands can’t provide for every sport or new fad and still safely serve the general public.

Let’s not reward extreme demands or irresponsible bikers by granting them exclusive rights to funding for a single-use trail. Biking is fun, and it is big business, but extreme biking should now evolve outside public lands.

Thanks to all responsible bikers, extreme or not.

Jan Holt

Durango