Salt spring island riding in danger.

HIBuLlitT · 11-19-2009, 08:27 AM

This was posted on VIMB.com forum, I thought some of you might want to help.

This isn't a "shore" thing, but there is some very fun riding on Salt spring island
and if a show of support isn't shown, it could be harder to get your ride on over there.

I left out Jims email and phone number, but there's some contact info of park reps
that might be influenced by well thought out respectful letters.

Quote:

URGENT - BC Parks Management Planning - proposed ban on mtn biking on Saltspring. We need your support (deadline Friday)

***Posted on behalf of *******
Jim Greenfield
Saltspring Island

Folks

BC Parks is finalizing all of their management plans for their Provincial
Parks on Saltspring Island. For the most part, these represent the first
plans for the Park, or the first time the existing plan has been updated
in over 20 years. If successful, mountain biking will be banned in all
Provincial Parks on the island.

Mountain biking has been informally occurring in most of these areas for
some time now. No reasons supporting these proposed bans have been given by
BC Parks. If this passes, mountain biking in 5 different areas on the
island will be banned, leaving only one other area in which we can ride
(an area which is also moving in the same direction).

You will find all the draft management plans, as well as the process for
consultation, at
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/pla...t_process.html

I have compiled formal responses / comment forms for each Park we feel we
have a chance to change their mind on. Please see below, our position and
rationale is explained in detail.
--------------

I am asking for your support. I will submit the attached material to BC
Parks before deadline on Friday, and will act as main contact for the local
riding community on Saltspring Island. You will not be asked to participate
directly.

However, I would like to add your names, emails and phone numbers as
"off-island supporters" (as you can see at the bottom of each document) so
that we can add strength to our small voice on the island. The hiking
community here is mostly retired, and have a lot of time, energy and
influence with BC Parks.

Please let me know:
1. if you will allow me to provide your name, email and phone number as
indicated on the documents
2. if there are any corrections / additions required to your information
3. if there are any other supporters that can be added,
4. if there is anything you think I could change in the comment forms to
add strength to our position.

I would like to send this out no later than Thursday night if possible,
sorry for the very short notice. Feel free to contact me at home tonight or
tomorrow night, XXX-XXX-XXXX, if you want to discuss further.

Thanks folks, appreciate your help on this. If we are successful I'll
organize an island group ride with you all to celebrate!

Jim Greenfield
Saltspring Island

Mount Maxwell Provincial Park Comments
http://members.shaw.ca/daniel.cammiade/FreakMaps/Mount Maxwell Provincial Park Comments - Mountain Biking Nov 16, 2009.doc
Burgoyne Provincial Park Comments
http://members.shaw.ca/daniel.cammia...kMaps/Burgoyne Provincial Park Comments - Mountain Biking Nov 16, 2009.doc
Ruckle Park Comments
http://members.shaw.ca/daniel.cammiade/FreakMaps/Ruckle Park Comments - Mountain Biking Nov 16, 2009.doc

Mic · 11-19-2009, 03:12 PM

Too bad I live in Germany.

gotham · 11-19-2009, 03:51 PM

Jim's a good fella, he's got my supprt!

Posted via Mobile Device

HIBuLlitT · 11-19-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mic

Too bad I live in Germany.

Nothing says you can't email the parks people and let them know that not being
able to ride in Salt Spring would definitely influence your decision, you would look
elsewhere that allows trail bike riding.

That's what I did a few years ago from Hawaii when the whole Fromme thing was
going on.

Banshee Brown · 11-19-2009, 08:40 PM

Wow I just read through the management plan re: Cycling. Really scary how they
are so point blank about banning cycling on the trails with no explanation.

HIBuLlitT · 11-19-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banshee Brown

Wow I just read through the management plan re: Cycling. Really scary how they
are so point blank about banning cycling on the trails with no explanation.

That's why they need help by a lot of people.

Bryce · 11-19-2009, 09:51 PM

does anyone on here ride salt spring?

I haven't finished reading the management plans, but I am wondering if bikes are officially permitted now? If not, then I wonder if they'd still turn a blind eye to it under the new plan

Some places should be closed to certain types of recreation, but generally not when the recreational value to the surrounding population outweighs the relatively minor damage it causes.

enduramil · 11-19-2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryce

does anyone on here ride salt spring?

I haven't finished reading the management plans, but I am wondering if bikes are officially permitted now? If not, then I wonder if they'd still turn a blind eye to it under the new plan

Some places should be closed to certain types of recreation, but generally not when the recreational value to the surrounding population outweighs the relatively minor damage it causes.

I have the feeling that it is someone with a little bit of knowledge and some free time that is making a case.

McTB · 11-20-2009, 12:40 AM

I didn't think bikes were allowed in any Provincial Parks outside of Mt. Seymour. Am I wrong on this?
I ride XC on Saltspring a couple of times a year but not in any of the parks, on crown land. The MTB scene used to be vibrant in the mid nineties but there's not much sign of it now.
I'm not getting anywhere with those links.

V.I._WARRIOR · 11-20-2009, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McTB

I didn't think bikes were allowed in any Provincial Parks outside of Mt. Seymour. Am I wrong on this?

In the Okanagan Kal Park & Myra Bellevue permit mountain bikes

enduramil · 11-20-2009, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V.I._WARRIOR

In the Okanagan Kal Park & Myra Bellevue permit mountain bikes

Garibaldi Provincial Park as well, specificaly Cheakamus Lake and Red Heather area.

Thank you WORCA for your efforts in keeping those areas accessible.

skifreak · 11-20-2009, 07:23 AM

I grew up on Salt Spring and my family was there for over 45 years. The island is being overrun by nimby's who have not much time on their hands. Cycling used to be very popular in the 90's but after the close of Island Spoke Folk, the cycling community seemed to quiet down. I rode Erskine many times, up through private lands, onto a roadway up to the top of the park.

I know there was sort of a it's closed but be careful sort of situation. I don't expect there are any structures being built by riders.

It's sad that they have decided to restrict it so heavily. It's very typical of the new mentality on Salt Spring.

I'll put in my support. Sad that it has come to this!

HIBuLlitT · 11-20-2009, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skifreak

I grew up on Salt Spring and my family was there for over 45 years. The island is being overrun by nimby's who have not much time on their hands. Cycling used to be very popular in the 90's but after the close of Island Spoke Folk, the cycling community seemed to quiet down. I rode Erskine many times, up through private lands, onto a roadway up to the top of the park.

I know there was sort of a it's closed but be careful sort of situation. I don't expect there are any structures being built by riders.

It's sad that they have decided to restrict it so heavily. It's very typical of the new mentality on Salt Spring.

I'll put in my support. Sad that it has come to this!

Bearing in mind I've only ridden one mountain over there...I saw no structures
at all, just nice flowy single track, fun climbs and beautiful scenery. It would be
a shame if it becomes too much of a hassle to ride there.

11-19-2009, 03:12 PM	#2
Mic The Diaper Diaries Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Plantation Nation Posts: 11,200 Rep Power: 8020552	Too bad I live in Germany. __________________ "You don't learn from experience. You learn from reflecting on the experience." - Kristen Ulmer

11-20-2009, 07:23 AM	#12
skifreak Dodge City Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Courtenay, BC Posts: 4,399 Rep Power: 1023682	I grew up on Salt Spring and my family was there for over 45 years. The island is being overrun by nimby's who have not much time on their hands. Cycling used to be very popular in the 90's but after the close of Island Spoke Folk, the cycling community seemed to quiet down. I rode Erskine many times, up through private lands, onto a roadway up to the top of the park. I know there was sort of a it's closed but be careful sort of situation. I don't expect there are any structures being built by riders. It's sad that they have decided to restrict it so heavily. It's very typical of the new mentality on Salt Spring. I'll put in my support. Sad that it has come to this! __________________ Play : Comox Valley Mountain Biking - www.cvmtb.com

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11-19-2009, 03:51 PM	#3
gotham Dropping to flat. Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 2,420 Rep Power: 2587274	Jim's a good fella, he's got my supprt! Posted via Mobile Device

11-19-2009, 08:40 PM	#5
Banshee Brown Chris Brown Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Calgary,AB Posts: 90 Rep Power: 0	Wow I just read through the management plan re: Cycling. Really scary how they are so point blank about banning cycling on the trails with no explanation.

11-19-2009, 09:51 PM	#7
Bryce Registered Abuser Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: high as f%*k Posts: 7,036 Rep Power: 3206911	does anyone on here ride salt spring? I haven't finished reading the management plans, but I am wondering if bikes are officially permitted now? If not, then I wonder if they'd still turn a blind eye to it under the new plan Some places should be closed to certain types of recreation, but generally not when the recreational value to the surrounding population outweighs the relatively minor damage it causes.

11-20-2009, 12:40 AM	#9
McTB Not my picture Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the best coast Posts: 204 Rep Power: 9709	I didn't think bikes were allowed in any Provincial Parks outside of Mt. Seymour. Am I wrong on this? I ride XC on Saltspring a couple of times a year but not in any of the parks, on crown land. The MTB scene used to be vibrant in the mid nineties but there's not much sign of it now. I'm not getting anywhere with those links.