Dear HCN, I’m writing in
response to the letters about mountain bikes in wilderness areas
(HCN, 4/14/03: Be careful what you ask for). I am an avid
hiker/backpacker, mountain biker and horse owner and am
conscientious about my actions in whatever mode of transport I use.
I’ve seen destruction and rude behavior by all these user
groups and none have the higher moral ground.
The problem
with many environmental groups is that they act independent of each
other, as if their pet project or peeve is the only thing in
existence — a very myopic view of the world indeed, and one I
don’t subscribe to. The use of public lands requires a broad
view AND a long-term view of the issues at hand and what
issues may arise in the future. Bicyclists, hikers, backpackers,
fishermen, hunters (sans ATVs), horsemen and women,
environmentalists, biologists, rangers and ranchers need to
agree that public lands are worth protecting, and say and vote so
in unison.
The Bush administration has made it clear it
has little respect for public input, unless it’s from a
high-dollar donating, card-carrying party member. It will
continue to make “administrative” moves to dismantle
protective regulations. As responsible citizens who want to ensure
safe passage for clean, quiet and pollution-free modes of transport
on public lands, we should make sure those who can help in the
fight for protection are at the table — including
bicyclists.
Bill Petersen, Jr.
Nanjemoy, Marylan
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Stay divided, and the land may fall.
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