Off-Road Update Mountain Biking In Marin Is Changing – Can You Feel It?
Can you feel it? Mountain biking in Marin is changing. Singletrack is opening on Mt. Tam, new trails are being built with mountain bikes in mind, and existing trails are being improved to include bikes. We are trail users worth collaborating with. It hasn’t been easy to get here, and the work is far from done, but we have much to look forward to! Read on to learn more about trail projects around Marin.
New & Improved Trail Projects in Marin
You may have heard about the MMWD pilot program (check it out here) and Liberty Gulch, but there’s more. In Terra Linda, Marin County Parks (MCP) is realigning Memorial Trail to allow bike access and connect the community to the Open Space Preserve and beyond. You can help with that effort by signing up for trail days this fall. Watch for upcoming volunteer trail days on MCBC’s Event Calendar.
On the other side of the ridge in San Anselmo, Sorich Park Trail may soon allow bikes and will close a gap in bike access from San Anselmo to San Rafael. Voice your support at upcoming meetings listed on San Anselmo’s website.
In Novato, new trails are being proposed. MCP continues to improve trails at Stafford Lake Park and will host races for the high school mountain bike league this year. Also, in Novato, State Parks is considering a change-in-use on some trails in Olompali State Park to include bikes.
Trail Etiquette and Safety – More Important Than Ever
Gaining trail miles for bikes is infinitely easier when land managers have a positive impression of cyclists and how we engage with other users. We are making that impression every time we ride. Unfortunately, as unfair as it is, one bad encounter is far more likely to be reported and heard around the planning office than a hundred good ones. It impacts our progress when we ask for a seat at the table. At a recent meeting with the Chief Ranger of GGNRA, we learned that complaints on a popular trail in the Headlands led them to consider limiting or removing bike access. We can’t let that happen.
Slowing down when we pass others on the trail, using a bell on crowded trails, riding only sanctioned trails, and saying Hello! to everyone goes a long way in creating harmony on the trail and off. Marin County Parks is trying a bell-borrowing program on the Ponti Ridge and may expand it to other areas if well-received. Check it out next time you’re up there, and let us know what you think. Being courteous fosters goodwill and encourages collaboration with stakeholders.
Let’s build on this momentum and ride responsibly to preserve our trails and make getting new ones easier. Be part of the change and join us in supporting more access for mountain bikes in Marin.
Members make it happen.
We’re working to make Marin more bike-friendly for people of all ages and abilities. Are you with us?
