Quote
coyote
As a member of the Pacific Trail Association, I am often in the back country of the San Bernardino Mountains. I think bikes have a great place in recreation, but they need to be limited to places which are not fragile. The PCT itself is often made up of a narrow 12 inch trail with a sandy shoulder. It washes out often and becomes difficult to navigate. Bikes are not allowed on the trail at this time, but I have met them and seen the ruts they cut into the shoulders and the ankle twisting grooves they make in the center. If a trail is designed to bear the weight, then I have no problem with them being there, but many miles the riders want to travel are not capable of sustaining their presence. You wouldn't think of riding in a wilderness meadow, but this is no different and it costs thousands of dollars to fix the damage each year on these trails. I totally agree we don't need the livestock in the canyon!
In addition to the problems you cite I have at times come close to being run down by bikes traveling at high speed on downhill sections of trails. This is especially "wonderful" when they do it around blind corners.