Editor:
With the late melt this year, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the Bow Valley are desperate to get out onto our local trails, and frankly, I can’t blame them.
However, it’s also the time of year when we need to be sensitive to the trails themselves. Soft, wet conditions can lead to trail braiding, unsightly ruts and other senseless damage. These in turn can create trail erosion, bad feelings and even user conflict.
On behalf of the Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance, we kindly ask all trail users, whether you’re a MTBer, hiker, trail runner, or horseback rider, to please choose to use our precious trail systems sensibly and sustainably. Recreate in areas that receive lots of sun, and that dry out quickly. Avoid wet, muddy areas, and be sensitive to the freeze-thaw cycle as it fades away for the season. Please don’t let your enthusiasm overrule your common sense.
If you’re unsure where to ride, one of the best ways to find out what’s okay out there is to ask about trail conditions at your favourite local bike shop. Have fun out there and remember to Ride With Respect.
Finally, the BVMBA is a grassroots cycling advocacy and maintenance group, focusing on sustainable cycling practices throughout the Bow Valley. For more information, please go to www.bvmba.org
Doug Topp,
Banff
