Boulder Trail Pilot Draws 7,522 Responses, 70% Oppose as Commissioner Dismisses Survey
Updated
Updated · Boulder Daily Camera · Jun 23
Boulder Trail Pilot Draws 7,522 Responses, 70% Oppose as Commissioner Dismisses Survey
2 articles · Updated · Boulder Daily Camera · Jun 23
Summary
7,522 residents answered Boulder County’s trail-use survey—the largest response the county says it has ever received—and about 70% opposed a pilot that would ban mountain bikes on certain days at four open-space areas.
Claire Levy, the commissioner who spearheaded the plan, said the results were not scientific or representative, arguing hikers are less organized than bikers despite the county having solicited the feedback.
The pilot would rotate bike restrictions at Heil Valley Ranch, Hall Ranch, Walker Ranch and Betasso Preserve; Levy also said the issue is less direct conflict than the feeling of being overtaken on trails.
Hall Ranch has drawn added scrutiny because Lyons business owners warned the restrictions could hurt the local economy, and the county has said Hall and Heil would not be limited at the same time.
June 30 is the next key date, when commissioners and parks staff will review the feedback and decide whether to advance, revise or shelve the pilot.