Director And General Manager - Marin County Bicycle Coalition

• Convert Unneeded, Eroding Fire Roads into Multi-use Trails
Due largely to their legacy as privately owned ranches, many of Marin’s open space preserves
feature a multitude of fire roads. These roads are often overly steep, and in general, were not
designed to avoid erosion. As a result, sedimentation from gullying, slope failure and other
problems occurs on many of Parks’ fire roads. The Marin Municipal Water District’s
(MMWD) 2005 Road and Trail Management Plan includes an inventory of all roads on
MMWD lands, and identifies eroding fire/access road segments for sediment reduction
treatments to improve watershed health. This is an excellent model for Parks and the Draft
RTMP, as are the successful road-to-trail conversions at Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa.
MCBC recommends that the Draft RTMP identify all fire roads that are not needed for
emergency response, land management or private property access. These roads should be
decommissioned for vehicular use and, wherever possible, converted to narrower,
properly designed multiple-use trails (open to all user groups).
• Improve Road and Trail Signage
Existing signage throughout the system of Parks preserves is inadequate in quantity and
content to significantly improve the behavior of trail users (and to simply provide users with
basic location and directional information). With limited enforcement capacity, we recognize
that Parks relies largely on voluntary compliance with regulations rather than staff patrols.
MCBC recommends that the Draft RTMP state that improved educational signage directed
at cyclists and other trail users will be a Parks priority for addressing issues of responsibility,
respect, environmental values and peer enforcement.
MCBC understands the long history of trail use and construction by equestrians and hikers on Parks
lands, and the perception that mountain bike access may diminish the safe and enjoyable use of
recreational resources by these groups. Sharing the trails entails adjustments and respect by all
users. This will take time. With more projects like the 680 Trail that significantly enhance access
for bikes, cyclists will increasingly feel recognized as legitimate trail users, and cooperation
between user groups will continue to improve.
Specific Trail Recommendations for Increased Bike Access and Connectivity
We have divided our specific road and trail recommendations into two groups:
1. Lower-cost: Administrative, collaborative or easement-related opportunities.
2. Higher-cost: Construction/earthmoving initiatives that require regulatory approval.
Within each group are potential projects that MCBC would be happy to help Parks plan and work
on. We look forward to contributing to the Draft RTMP as this important public process continues
in 2012 and beyond. MCBC staff is available to work with Parks and other community groups and
interested members of the public to identify priorities for mountain bikers as well as all trail users.
Please do not hesitate to contact either of us with questions or for further discussion of any of our
recommendations.
Sincerely,
Kim Baenisch, Executive Director
Erik Schmidt, Off-Road Director
Promoting Safe Bicycling for Everyday Transportation and Recreation