Support Cascade Canyon plan for trail improvements

I am writing in response to the recent article about plans to improve cycling access to Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve (“County pursues changes on trails,” Dec. 4).

Why has it taken nearly eight years for the county to work its way through “the regulatory process?” This feels like significant bureaucratic feetdragging. The bridges and improvements make perfect sense to improve access for all user groups wanting to enjoy the preserve. It does so while improving protections for nature.

In the current setup, hikers and cyclists cross the creek bed daily. That is certainly causing damage to the environmentally sensitive area. As an avid hiker and mountain biker who frequently visits this preserve, I rarely see more than a few hikers and/or cyclists when there. For those naysayers who think that this project will attract hordes of additional users, I say that is unlikely.

Everyone needs to accept that existing and new users will continue to come, regardless of improvement plans. If installing these bridges brings a handful of new users to the preserve, so be it. The land is there for all to use and enjoy. Inclusion and equity cannot coexist with a “not in my backyard” attitude.

I read about concerns that the annual Thanksgiving Day ride, which has existed in the preserve for decades, could be in jeopardy. It is a wonderful tradition that brings in people from all over to enjoy Marin's beauty and rich history of mountain biking.

However, I think the proposed improvements would eliminate the risk of environmental damage by allowing riders to safely traverse the canyon for this event. One day a year of happy riders passing through the neighborhood is hardly something to get upset about. If this tradition was a trailrunning event (like the Dipsea Race), would the community be more likely to embrace it?

— Sean Solway, San Anselmo