MMWD takes step toward expanded bike access trial

The Marin Municipal Water District has approved a polarizing recreation management study that recommends pilot programs to expand bicycle access in the Mount Tamalpais watershed.

The district board voted unanimously Tuesday to certify the feasibility study, which outlines the desires, needs and issues involving a watershed shared by a variety of visitors.

The study establishes the framework for updating the district’s “watershed road and trail management plan,” a guidebook for land stewardship.

A few controversial strategies that have dominated conversation of the study include the pilot program for multiuse trails and bike access on single-track paths. Another pilot program would formalize a study of class 1 e-bikes, also known as pedal-assist bikes, for up to three years.

Shaun Horne, director of water resources, said the approval of the study will enable staff to develop the pilot bike programs, including selecting trails where cycling could be allowed. Drafts of the programs are expected to be presented to the watershed committee on June 20, Horne said.

The water district received dozens of emails in support and opposition to the planned pilot programs, and several speakers addressed the board at the meeting Tuesday.

Tom Martell, a member of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, said mountain biking is “totally out of control” on Mount Tam already and enforcement is going to be impossible with an expansion.

“It’s an outdoor gymnasium for people who can afford a bike,” Martell said.

Andrew Levine, a cyclist from Mill Valley, said he sees this as a positive step in a decades long debate to have cyclists included.

“All the folks I know in the biking community are happy to work with anyone else who wants to preserve this watershed, make it a good pleasant place for everyone to visit,” he said, “so that we make it not only as good as it is now, or was in the past, but even better, and I think this plan is designed to do that.”

While mountain bikers and e-bike advocates are enthused, the plan is a sensitive topic for many who say they have hiker safety and the environment in mind.

Some community members argue that e-bikes are too heavy and aggressive on the land, posing safety risks and acceleration of trail erosion. E-bike supporters say older bicyclists benefit from the pedal-assisted two-wheelers and they want to continue to enjoy the sport in open space.

Critics said many bicyclists are illegally riding on trails already, creating conflicts with hikers and equestrians.

Kathy Risso of the Marin Horse Council said equestrians are declining in numbers out of fear of being dumped off their horses because of conflicts with cyclists.

“So there is a huge disconnect and the bikers don’t seem to understand how to work with us, and how to understand, and how important it is not to put their needs ahead of others,” Risso said.

Board member Matt Samson said while the conversation has focused on the bike debate, “the plan is so much more.”

“It provides us, the district, the framework to enhance all visitor experiences and take advantage of the many educational opportunities that we have here to share with everybody,” Samson said.

He added that it’s time to give cyclists a seat at the table to contribute.

“This plan responsibly looks at ways to incorporate additional users in a way that will study impacts while remaining adaptive and can change if negative impacts exist,” Samson said.

As it stands, bicycles are allowed on more than 90 miles of fire roads throughout the district. Riding bicycles on trails is prohibited.

Bicyclists are limited to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour while traveling within the watershed and are required to travel at 5 mph when passing others on the road or navigating blind turns.

Updating the roads and trails plan would give the district an opportunity to also revisit its “power-driven mobility” policy, which includes rules for e-bikes.

As plans move forward, board members suggested staff consider increasing penalties for illegal bike riding, including night riding, which has become popular among scofflaws wanting to avoid interactions with hikers and equestrians, they said.

Overall, the study recommends strategies for increased stewardship, visitor outreach services, updating watershed facilities, policies and plans and adaptive management.

Under stewardship, the study recommends work such as habitat restoration, trail volunteer programs, wildlife docent programs and working to decommission illegal trails.

As part of improving visitor outreach, the study suggests creating a GPS-enabled visitor map, educational signs and self-guided natural resource interpretation walks.

The bike programs fall under the watershed facilities, policies and plans section, along with an evaluation of accessibility updates, slow zone updates and others.

The adaptive management section recommends conducting a visitor census survey every 10 years and monthly vegetation management.

“We are considering opportunities for continuing to support safe inclusive access with an emphasis on protecting the watershed’s unique biodiversity habitat and water quality,” Horne said.