COMBA Organizes Open Space Trails Public Forum

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Dear COMBA members -

Any mountain biker who's ridden Apex's Pick -N- Sledge trail lately has been in for a surprise. This trail, along with others on the Front Range, has received a serious facelift from the Jefferson County Open Space Parks Department. Open Space sometimes has to get pretty serious with shovels, drastically changing the look of trails that have suffered serious erosion at the hands of wind, water and people. Open Space has had other priorities in the past few years, so this kind of work hasn't been seen until recently. Well, that has changed. And some are not impressed. In fact, many in the mountain bike community are down-right angry that the trails they love have changed so dramatically. To top it off, some mountain bikers have recently been ticketed for failing to yield to hikers.

These circumstances have led many to seek answers and register their complaints. Some have made plans to attend OSAC meetings. Others have unfortunately engaged in criminal acts-threats of violence against Open Space Staff and vandalism. Criminal conduct does not aid our community. Indeed, the only strategies such behavior serves are those of the user groups who would love to see mountain bikers without access to Open Space parks.

Open Space is aware that the recent trail work and enforcement activities have raised many questions. After receiving a number of complaints from mountain bikers, Open Space wrote an open letter to the trail community explaining why this work was done. Please see the Open Space Parks website newslink if you want to read the letter.  ( http://co.jefferson.co.us/openspace , click on "News" between "A-Z" and "Trails". )

The Colorado Mountain Bike Association understands the anger and frustration that many mountain bikers feel. COMBA thinks, however, the best way to deal with these issues is through serious discussion with Open Space. Toward that end, COMBA has asked Open Space to meet with the mountain biking community to do just that. Open Space has agreed. COMBA will facilitate a forum, with Open Space staff as its guests, during the third week of August at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building (the Taj Mahal) in Golden. The exact date, time, and room location will be announced as soon as possible.

If you're girding for a fight, stay home. This is not your chance to rant. Rude or disrespectful people will be asked to leave. This is your chance to listen and to ask questions and offer constructive, respectful comment. When you arrive, you'll sign in. If you want to speak, be prepared to get to the point. COMBA wants to make sure everybody who wants to comment has the opportunity to do so.

COMBA looks forward to seeing you at the Taj!

COMBA Board of Directors