Archive for the ‘Advocacy’ Category

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CORBA’s State Parks Change in Use PEIR Comments

Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

CORBA has submitted comments on California State Parks Change In Use Programmatic Environmental Impact Report. Our comments are included below.

Currently, the Yearling trail has been approved for a change in use, pending the implementation of “Project Specific Requirements” which include a re-route and other trail modifications, for which the State does not presently have the resources to complete. Recently Bill’s Trail in Marin was also approved for multi-use, after more than a five-year process. Our comments reflect our desire to see the process streamlined and sped up.

While this is a step forward for gaining access to trails for bicycles in California State Parks, we see the process as overly burdensome and resource intensive. Given the State’s track record of meeting its stated goals and completing tasks, we have to question whether this additional process will slow down or speed up the process of opening trails to bicycles. However, the PEIR does in fact include some important documentation and acknowledgements of the legitimacy and appropriateness of allowing bicycles on trails, though it risks homogenizing State Parks trails to a “standard” that we feel will reduce the diversity of trail experiences for bicyclists. We’ll be reporting on the Change in Use process as the final version is released.

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Posted in California, Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Access | Comments Closed

Sullivan Canyon Winter 2012 Maintenance Completed

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

We have learned that the pipeline maintenance that forced the closure of Sullivan Canyon to the public is now completed. This means that you may access the canyon, but please remember that the trail is used by all types of users. Your courtesy and slowed speed around others is appreciated.

We also learned that the concrete “mats” that have been laid over the pipes have been covered with aggregate material so that the potential hazards of riding (bicycles and horses) and walking on them is reduced. The suggestion to cover the mats was made by Brentwood Hills Homeowners Association members Eric Edmunds (runner) and Mike Leslie (mountain biker).

Posted in Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Access | Comments Closed

RAM Take Two December 15

Monday, November 26th, 2012

Let’s try this again! We got rained out on November 17, so the Ride And Mingle will take place on December 15, same time (10am), same place (Topanga State Park, The Hub Junction). Come join us and your knobby-wearin’ brothers and sisters to celebrate CORBA’s 25 years of mountain bike and open space trails advocacy. We need as many people there as possible for a group shot to show the trail user community that mountain bikers can and do coexist on the trails. There will be cash prize opportunity drawings.  Click here for details!

Posted in Advocacy, CORBA News, Trail Access | Comments Closed

Study Considering Shared Use of the PCT Begins in Spring 2013

Monday, November 19th, 2012

By Jim Hasenauer

You may have heard that there are a number of people working to re-open non-Wilderness sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to bicycles.  When the PCT was closed to bikes in 1988, that regulation was supposed to have been reviewed annually.  It has never been reviewed.  We brought this to the attention of the National Forest Service (who are the lead agency for managing the PCT) , and they have agreed to review the regulation.  That process has not started yet.  We expect it to happen in the Spring.  At that time we will need high levels of participation from the mountain bike community.

Meanwhile, we’ve created a website www.sharingthepct.org and a facebook page “sharing the pct”.  Both are chock full of information about the initiative.  Unfortunately, some folks who oppose this idea have become quite strident and aggressive on the pct-l listserv and other venues.  We are trying to keep this initiative high-road with an emphasis on civility and fact-based decision making.  Don’t get into word wars with opponents.  Their insults (and threats of booby traps) and violence hurt them more than help them in the public process.

We think re-opening the PCT is good public policy.  It will help the trail and all of its trail users.

Right now, we are looking for organizations to sign on to our initiative and for specific information on different sections of the PCT itself and its suitability for multiple use.  Check out the website.  Your input is welcome.

Posted in Advocacy, Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley, Trail Access, Verdugo Mountains | Comments Closed

RAM Postponed to 12/15 due to Rain

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

With the forecast calling for a lot of rain this Saturday November 17, we thought it best to postpone the Ride And Mingle. We’ll try it again on December 15, same place, same time, same format.

Thanks for all your support and we hope to see you next month!

Posted in Advocacy | Comments Closed

Ride And Mingle This Saturday!

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Join us for a meeting of the knobs! Ride a vintage bike if you can!

Tell all your friends! We want to show the open space trails community that mountain bikers are responsible users of our open space trails, and that we belong now and in the future.

We will ride to The Hub in Topanga State Park (from various locations, your choice) for a group photo shoot. Be there by 10:am, we’ll do the shoot no later than 10:30. We are hoping for 250 or more people (in celebreation of CORBA’s 25th anniversary). There will be cash prizes available just for showing up, including the $1,000 top prize, as well as $500, $200, and $100 prizes. There will also be a 50/50 drawing, so bring $20 (minimum) in cash and drop it into the pot for your chance to win half, with the other half going to CORBA.

For details click here. See you this Saturday!

Posted in Advocacy, Santa Monica Mountains | Comments Closed

Are You Part of the Problem?

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

By Mark Langton

CORBA has spent 25 years fostering a positive image for mountain bikers based on the fact that the vast majority of mountain bikers are responsible, and that irresponsible actions are few and far between. Yet in just the last year it seems that irresponsibility has increased, and 25 years of goodwill and effort are about to be undermined by disrespectful, selfish individuals who only care about going fast. In the last week the NPS has issued a press release stating that the increase in unsafe riding will be met with citations, and the Gas Company has closed Sullivan Canyon to all users because of incidents involving mountain bikers.

The problem with this situation is that the people riding irresponsibly know that it’s wrong, but they do it anyway. They are jeopardizing bicycle access to the trails, not to mention the safety of all trail users. I know that just saying it here won’t solve the problem, but my hope is that a few of the people who are riding irresponsibly do the right thing, and maybe spread the word. If you want to ride fast, go do it in a race or at a place where it’s set up for it, like Mammoth Mountain. Enjoy our local shared use trails in a way that is pleasant for everyone. Otherwise the actions of a few will mess it up for the majority of people who do ride responsibly.

Posted in Advocacy, Santa Monica Mountains | Comments Closed

Sullivan Canyon Closed to Public Until End of December

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

The Southern California Gas Company recently released information regarding the closing of Sullivan Canyon to the public (see below for the press release).

A comment was made on our blog alleging that the area had been closed due to an incident involving a mountain biker  being seriously injured. According to Public Affairs Manager Krista Phipps, the area was not closed as a direct result of the incident, but in response to several factors. “I was told by the Project Manager that [the incident which caused injury to the mountain biker] did not occur at the construction site.  However, it was serious and required the person to be airlifted out of the canyon.  Overall, there have been a series of close calls in and around the construction site and we just do not want to risk injury to the public or our employees,” said Phipps.

Please note that Sullivan Canyon is NOT public property. It is owned and operated by the Southern California Gas Company which maintains it as open to the public unless work to the gas line is necessary. The Gas Co. can rescind permission to access Sullivan Canyon at any time. In this case, many users will be effected, not just mountain bikers. This surely will come down to a blame game with mountain bikers bearing the brunt of criticism, and to a large degree rightly so. All we can ask is that you ride safely for the conditions, and remember that your actions represent the entire mountain bike community.

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October 29, 2012

RE: Sullivan Canyon Closure – Southern California Gas Company Pipeline Protection Project

Dear Neighbor:

In follow up to the notice of September 17, 2012 regarding the Sullivan Canyon Maintenance Project, this correspondence is to inform you that in spite of our efforts to complete the project without impeding public access, we have determined that in order to maintain public safety, Sullivan Canyon will be closed to the public during the hours of 6am to 6pm Monday thru Saturday, effective immediately. This schedule will be maintained throughout the duration of the project to ensure safe operation of two high-pressure transmission pipelines located in the canyon. The project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2012. Please note that this completion date is an approximation and may change due to the needs of the project.

Additional closures and/or further restrictions will be posted on the gate at Queensferry Road and at the entrance to the property off of Mulholland Drive in advance, to the extent feasible. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this necessary work to ensure pipeline safety and maintenance of a reliable natural gas supply to the Los Angeles basin area. SoCal Gas appreciates your understanding of the need for this maintenance work and temporary disruption of canyon access. It is our goal to keep disruptions to a minimum and we regret temporary inconveniences.

Safety is our first priority. We appreciate customers and members of the community keeping us informed on conditions surrounding our facilities. Please feel free to share this notice with your networks which have an interest in the canyon.

Thank you for your understanding while we perform this necessary maintenance and repair work. Should you have any questions, please call me at (323) 371-0011 or email me at kphipps@semprautilities.com.

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Posted in Advocacy, Los Angeles, Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Access | 6 Comments »

Ride Safely: Your Access to Trails Depends On It

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

The below press release was issued today by the National Park Service (NPS) in conjunction with CORBA.

CORBA has learned that NPS administrators were ready and willing to temporarily close trails in reaction to the issues of increased complaints and collisions listed in the press release. However, due to the trust and reputation that has been fostered and maintained through CORBA’s advocacy efforts with NPS, trail closures were not implemented at this time. Let’s show that we are a responsible user group by slowing down and showing courtesy to our fellow trail users. It’s simple: Slow down, solve the problem.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kate Kuykendall (NPS), 805-370-2343 or Mark Langton (CORBA), 805-558-1606

National Park Service Teams with Mountain Bikers to Promote Safe Riding
New technology may play role in increased complaints and collisions

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – In response to increased complaints and collisions on local trails, the National Park Service (NPS) has teamed with the Concerned Off-Road Bicyclist Association (CORBA) to promote safe and courteous riding in the Santa Monica Mountains.

“We’re thrilled that there is great demand for the public to enjoy the beauty and public health benefits of our extensive trail system,” said Melanie Turner, law enforcement ranger and mountain bike unit coordinator with Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). “For the benefit and safety of all users, we ask people to follow proper trail etiquette and observe the 15 mph speed limit.”

Rangers report an uptick in visitor complaints regarding cyclists who are riding too fast or in restricted areas. Particularly on busy weekends, the effects can be dangerous. In the past year, accidents at Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon resulted in several helicopter extractions, though the problem is not limited to that site.

Turner, who is an avid mountain biker herself, wonders if a new website that allows riders to publicly post their times on specific trails has led to an increase in violations. Strava (www.strava.com) shows speeds of up to 35 mph, with average speeds of 25 mph, on some trails within the recreation area. Made aware of the problem, Strava is working with Turner to prohibit users from posting times on certain trails, along with a message about trail regulations.

As part of its mission to promote safe riding, CORBA is working closely with SMMNRA, a unit of the National Park Service, to inform its members about these concerns and remind them about responsible riding tips.

“If you just slow down around other users (including other cyclists), you create a win-win for everyone,” said Mark Langton, president of CORBA. “Speed is subjective; what one person might think is slow might still be too fast. Even at 10 mph you can startle someone and disrupt their enjoyment of our open space. If you slow down, you literally solve the problem most people have with bicycles on the trail – that they go too fast and scare other users.”

Turner attended a recent CORBA meeting and is visiting local bike shops to let the community know that rangers will be stepping up patrols and issuing citations. Both organizations hope the efforts will result in a safe and enjoyable trail experience for all users.

About Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area:
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A unit of the National Park Service, it comprises a seamless network of local, state, and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities. As one of only five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, SMMNRA preserves the rich biological diversity of more than 450 animal species and 26 distinct plant communities. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/samo.

About Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association:
Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association was founded in 1987 to serve the mountain bicycling community of Los Angeles and surrounding areas including southern Ventura County. CORBA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to gaining and maintaining public trail access for mountain cyclists and the public at-large. CORBA encourages and promotes the safe and environmentally responsible use of unpaved roads and trails for bicycling and to educate the public about all aspects of off-road cycling and trails. www.corbamtb.com.

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Posted in Advocacy, Santa Monica Mountains, Trail Access | 1 Comment »

Welcome SMMNRA Superintendent David Szymanski

Thursday, October 25th, 2012
Craig Sap introduces Superintendent David Szymanski

Craig Sap introduces Superintendent David Szymanski

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) has a new Superintendent. After a ten-month search to fill the position, David Szymanski has taken on the post to oversee the SMMNRA. His prior post was at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park in the Pacific northwest.

About 60 dignitaries gathered Thursday at Will Rogers State Park to welcome the new superintendent to his position in an informal meet-and-greet. There are many different agencies who work with the SMMNRA in a unique collaborative management of this treasured public land, and all had representatives here to welcome Szymanski. State Parks Angeles District Superintendent Craig Sap introduced Szymanski to the gathered crowd, and was joined by County Supervisor Zev Yaraslovsky, MRCA’s Rorie Skei, and several others to welcome him. Also present were representatives from several non-profit agencies who work with the SMMNRA and State Parks, including CORBA.

Woody Smeck, whom Szymanski half-jokingly referred to as “Saint Woody,” set a high standard for his successor, having managed the SMMNRA with a fair and competent hand for more than a decade. The recently announced changes to National Park Service mountain bike policies have come about through the efforts of IMBA and NPS staff at the Federal level, with the SMMNRA’s multi-use policy under Woody and our relationship with him as one model of success. Both David and his predecessor are familiar with IMBA’s Jenn Dice and the successful efforts to streamline the NPS policies for mountain bikes nationwide.

Szymanski is a cyclist, and has already begun exploring the trails of the Santa Monica Mountains both on foot and on a bicycle. In our brief and friendly discussion, it was clear that he is an avid cyclist, but that his responsibilities to the mountains will preclude any favoritism towards one user group over another. However, he understands the issues we face, and we expect him to do well in his new post. He is still in the orientation phase, learning the unique challenges that the SMMNRA faces, for the next few weeks. His position is as much about managing partnerships as it is about managing public lands, but all of those partners are clearly eager to work with him.

We welcome Superintendent Szymanski to his new position, and look forward to continuing our good relationship with the SMMNRA.

Jim Hasenauer, David Szymanski, Steve Messer and Mark Langton

CORBA Welcomes Superintendent Szymanski

Posted in Advocacy, Santa Monica Mountains | Comments Closed

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