No bicycling in wilderness parks

The recent commentary about mountain biking in wilderness parks is right on regarding the impacts bikers have on the environment and wildlife habitat.

These impacts multiply in wet habitat and especially where there are no formal trails for bikers.

The conflicts between bikers and other users can be extremely dangerous. Bikers are known to be fast and silent. A few years back, in the southern Chilcotin on a particularly arduous uphill hike, we were beset upon by a group of bikers coming in the other direction.

No warning at all, our leader barely missed the lead bike by doing a header out of the way, yelling a warning to us who scrambled out of the way as the bikers shot by.

The bikers stopped and apologized. No damage was incurred but it was a close call.

We were shocked that they were so far off the beaten track on our hiking trail.

A close friend, a retired parks warden from Banff, explained that wildlife/ biker conflicts can happen very quickly. In Banff National Park, biking is banned in known bear country. Mountain bikes are allowed only on the old, hardened fire roads. Where there is sensitive wildlife habitat, biking is not allowed.

I believe mountain biking should be banned from our wilderness parks due to the trashing of the local flora and damage. If this is impossible, trails should be properly and professionally designed and hardened to reduce the physical damage. Trail education is a must, as bikers should stay on designated trails only.

Perhaps some creative energy could go toward partnerships to find less ecologically sensitive land for mountain bikers in the Capital Regional District and satisfy all sides.

Douglas White, retired tourism consultant Victoria