mudhoney profile

Nice pic…got to get down there to ride in the summer!
Penny

Posted by: D_C_

Posted by: mudhoney

Posted by: icullis

I also emailed Metro, and DNV's Metro representative (Councilor Muri). I have a response from Councilor Muri, but don't expect to hear anything back from Metro Vancouver... Councilor Muri mentioned that the DNV is trying to set up a steering committee and develop an overarching trail plan, which does sound interesting.

Muri was responsible for getting Metro to rip out a small optional skinny that was rebuilt on Bridle Path a couple of years ago, Metro tore it out on a Sunday & it had just been finished the week before (feature was rebuilt with Metro permission). We did eventually get to rebuild it again, but it wasted many volunteer hours

What was her concern with the feature that got removed?

I never heard, only that it's where she likes to walk her dogs.

The previous version of the skinny was fully rotten and falling apart; the new one was built to all of Metro's standards for a blue trail, very similar to the original, and it's optional (as it always was). I heard that it was being referred to as a "jump", which it's not and never was, but again, this was never verified. It felt very much like NIMBYism.

The skinny is also pretty popular with the local dogs, who often use it to practice their agility training  ;)

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv41IIVl3FJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Posted by: icullis

I also emailed Metro, and DNV's Metro representative (Councilor Muri). I have a response from Councilor Muri, but don't expect to hear anything back from Metro Vancouver... Councilor Muri mentioned that the DNV is trying to set up a steering committee and develop an overarching trail plan, which does sound interesting.

Muri was responsible for getting Metro to rip out a small optional skinny that was rebuilt on Bridle Path a couple of years ago, Metro tore it out on a Sunday & it had just been finished the week before (feature was rebuilt with Metro permission). We did eventually get to rebuild it again, but it wasted many volunteer hours

As the current permitted builder on Dale's, there's been no recent communication from Metro on any of those suggested changes to Dale's... my goal is to preserve the current technical challenge on lower Dale's, add back some wood stunts if Metro permits, and keep up with other regular maintenance (drain clearing, etc....).

But Metro has a habit of not telling us what's going on....

Severed was originally a hiking trail, and is presently designated multi-use. It's on land owned by CMHC and managed by Rec Sites & Trails BC. It should stay multi-use, it's not a DH race course. Ride it expecting to see foot traffic and be able to stop or slow down when you do.

John Deer has same land owner/manager as Severed. It's pretty popular with trail runners (usually solo or very small groups). As one of the builders/maintainers on it, I do not support making it bike only. I do support having signs at the bottom that say something to the effect of "Warning: High Speed Bike Traffic. Foot Traffic recommended to take alternate trail" I've made this recommendation to NSMBA several times. This type of messaging provides education, and experienced hikers/runners who know the trail can still enjoy it; while others less experienced or in larger groups may choose a different option, helping to keep the trails safe and fun for all.

I'm not a fan of taking away trail access from other groups. There's a difference between a pair of trail runners or a hiker that is paying attention to the trail and steps aside to let bike traffic go by versus a large group with dogs, children, etc. or someone on foot with earphones in that isn't paying attention. But regardless, we share the trails will all other user groups. Horses are permitted on Bridle Path. As Heckler & Sanchez have said, pay attention & ride with care. Anytime we are on our bikes, we are ambassadors for our sport. How other users perceive us also influences our future trail access.

Other land managers for the trails you mentioned...

- Corkscrew - Metro Vancouver

- Pingu / Boogieman / Boogie Nights - DNV

Boogie nights also gets riders hiking back up it to session... maybe less now than when if first opened, but my assumption would be that 2% noted on TF is most likely from this.

Edit to add...

Boogie Nights & JD are different land mangers. Boogie Nights is District of North Van, JD is owned by CMHC and managed by the province (Rec Sites & Trails).

DNV doesn't really have clear policies (remember they randomly put signs on Ladies to make it bikes only without consulting with anyone... Boogie Nights would be a better place for that signage)

RST does have options to limit user groups or limit user direction on trails. As one of the current builders on JD*, I've advocated for signage on JD for bikes to be restricted to downhill only since it was (re)opened. It needs signs at the bottom that say "Warning! High Speed Bike Traffic. Foot traffic recommended to take Old Buck or Academy Climb / Penny Lane / Good Sir Martin. Bikes downhill only." JD is popular with trail runners & I really really don't like limiting any user groups trail access, so I don't think it should be bikes only, but warning signs with an alternate route suggestion should make for a more pleasant trail experience for everyone.

(*many thanks to Bryce for the original build on JD and Martin for all of the fresh work).

https://www.citynews1130.com/2020/07/24/burnaby-is-tone-deaf-say-mountain-bikers-upset-by-trail-closure-signage/

It was built to be dropped or rolled; while we always planned to add the ramp, it spent some time without one.

Remember too that not all residents are home owners. I rent in the Blueridge area. I don’t have access to a garage or driveway. I only have street parking. After getting home from work today street parking near my place was full, even with one side reserved for residents only. This happening occasionally is fine, but if it becomes a regular thing that I can’t park near where I live, I’ll be one of those requesting residents only parking to be extended.

Many many thanks to all for respecting our trail closure on John Deer yesterday, not a single mtb'er or trail runner or dog walker ducked the rope or ignored signs.

We did have some hikers come up from the bottom though. Guess the signs didn't apply to them.

Posted by: PaulB

So far, all they've done on Braemar is put up "Residents Only" signs on the south side of the street. The north side was bumper-to-bumper (including some dudes having post-ride beers outside their camper van) when I rode by on Sunday afternoon. The Hyannis/Berkley area seems to be more restricted.

The top of Hyannis & Berkley at the trail head is a combo of no parking / residents only. A lot of the Hyannis/Berkley (includes Hill Dr, etc) area is residents only, some places both sides of the street, other places one side only. Another option to spread riders out might be to ride up through the Blair Range area (Mt Seymour Parkway / Northlands, though I'm not sure on parking restrictions there).

A reminder to please not take up the sidewalk or spill over into the street as you get ready or finish your ride. I've seen a number of situations where a rider has their gear piled on the sidewalk and there's no space for someone to walk past them at an appropriate distance.

There's also a lot more foot traffic out on Seymour* these days, and not everyone is used to seeing bikes on the trail. Make sure to give everyone space to pass. It's not the time to yell at someone for walking up John Deer; let them know that it's a popular downhill bike trail, that GSM will be a quieter option for them, tell them about trailforks, etc... Be kind. :-)

And for the love of whatever god you do or do not pray to, please do not blow snot rockets!!

*can't speak for Fromme as I've only been on Seymour