The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

Mixed-trail use in Belmont spurs controversy

A+biker+and+a+hiker+cross+paths+on+Rambler+Trail+in+Water+Dog+Lake+Park.
Kenzo Peraire
A biker and a hiker cross paths on Rambler Trail in Water Dog Lake Park.

Belmont’s open space trail systems always have been designated for mixed trail use; however, this may be subject to change in the foreseeable future.

There have been numerous concerns about pedestrians and bicyclists sharing trails, but the validity and significance of these concerns are uncertain. 

“We have received a whole lot of input about our open space. Our community is quite passionate about it, and it’s easy to understand why – it’s an incredible asset,” said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ulla Foehr.

According to a Belmont government document on Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS), the open space systems are “considered key destinations for linkages to the bicycle and pedestrian networks” and are part of Belmont’s goal to continue the development of space that encompasses the needs of nature conservation and community benefit.

A biker rides on John Brooks Trail in Water Dog Park. (Kenzo Peraire)

“Belmont’s open space is a wonderful amenity that offers access to nature and recreation for many different park visitors. We’re working on some exciting projects that we hope will make the outdoor experience more enjoyable for everyone,” said Parks and Recreation Director Brigitte Shearer.

Nevertheless, Belmont’s community is still torn on the issue of shared trails.

At a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in August 2020 on the topic of mixed trail use in open space systems, 58 people expressed appreciation for mixed trail use, and 19 people expressed concerns about mountain biking on trails.

Each side expressed their concerns and possible solutions to those problems.

Moreover, prominent members of Belmont’s community have expressed concern over bikers in open space preserves. Specifically, Pat Cuviello, a candidate for Belmont City Council, has shown growing concern over the potential environmental impact of bikes on open space systems. 

In his application for city council, he stated, “The main cause of trail and habitat erosion in Water Dog is sport mountain biking. Limiting bikers to the fire roads will help protect the ecology and wildlife of Water Dog.”

However, a study on the Environmental Impact of Mountain Biking from the City of Anacortes, Washington, showed that there was little correlation between mountain biking and erosion. More, the “computed estimates of soil loss per mile of trail also revealed the mountain biking trails to have the lowest soil loss.”

The city of Belmont is seeking to address the community’s considerations in its PROS Master Plan.

My goal is to work together with all stakeholders to determine how we can best maintain access for all users while protecting our precious resource. Especially during this pandemic, having more outdoor options for exercise and enjoyment is essential.

— Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ulla Foehr

“The Parks and Recreation Department has just initiated a [PROS] Master Plan project by which we will be reaching out to the community to plan the 15 plus year vision for our parks, open spaces, athletic fields, and recreational opportunities,” Shearer said.

This involves installing new trail signs to replace the many old and missing signs and introducing a “Love Waterdog” campaign to “reinforce trail etiquette and care for the natural habitat.”

In the biking community, the concerns have also not gone unnoticed. Groups like the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz are working to preserve multi-use trails and keep their local trails safe for all users.

They recommend that bikers should practice “reducing speed well ahead of encountering other trail users, slowing down on blind corners, and using verbal contact or a bike bell to alert other trail users on approach.”

With many people expressing their wishes for the future of Belmont parks, the next foreseeable step would involve choosing a plan that will benefit the entire community equally.

As Belmont enters a new phase for its parks, it’s important to remember that the community’s interest is at the heart of the city.

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About the Contributors
Kenzo Peraire, Staff Writer
Kenzo Peraire is a sophomore at Carlmont High School, and it is his first year in the journalism program. He is very interested and involved in the local mountain biking scene, and therefore he will be actively reporting on the subject. Twitter: @k3npr0z
Hayes Gaboury, Scotcenter Editor-in-Chief
Hayes Gaboury is a senior at Carlmont High School and is the Scotcenter Editor-in-Chief. He loves mountain biking and plays for the Carlmont soccer team, making him very involved in the Carlmont sports community. He also enjoys media and photography, and loves finding new stories to tell.

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The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.
Mixed-trail use in Belmont spurs controversy