Posted by: craw
Posted by: Ddean
I’m not even a climber but I don’t think that the grades on BLT are very bad. Straight up the one by the Roach Hit exit and above the UTC entrance. They’re short. There are way worse climbs on the shore 🤣
Cypress Update:
There have been some positive developments that show that the DWV and BPP are listening to constructive feedback from all user groups, including bikers as it relates to development plans on Cypress.
It’s very important that people continue to look closely at what the plans outline, invest the time to understand the implications and then communicate alternatives (you can’t just say something doesn’t work, you should also have an alternative) constructively.
Let’s see how it plays out - but it’s a good dialogue between Planning/BPP and riders right now re Cypress. They’re considering feedback from riders when they can and it’s making a difference!
The bike trails that end at or cross the new graded walking path 100% need signage explaining that these are bike-primary descending trails. I've encountered clueless people a few time scrambling up Roach Hit. The encounters were friendly enough despite me skidding to a stop to avoid turning some kid into hamburger. It's super dangerous as it is.
There is a significant issue with declaring these trails bike primary as that suggests that they are authorized - which they are not. Officially, nobody is allowed on them - on foot or otherwise. BPP can not allow any sign other than the ones that you see all over Cypress: the no trespassing sign or the waiver sign. To do otherwise will immediately require rights of way and liability assumption by DWV - which is a process that takes years.
The best we can get is one of those signs facing downward at the metal bridge and hope that people on foot dont venture up for fear of trespassing. But, if riders do not exercise care and there is an incident, my guess is that theyll close RoachHit/Wutang, or we will have to route bikes elsewhere than the first SB. We are working hard to keep as much in that area as we can but riders have to do their part as well and adapt to the fact that the area is now full of people on foot, including toddlers running around who are low and not visible and may be laying down on the middle of the trail behind the next corner.
If riders cant safely accommodate people on foot in that area, theyll lose the trails. Times have changed - we need to change our habits too if we want to maintain the privileges of riding there.