Exploring options for e-mountain bike trails - Park Record

Mountain Trails Foundation (MTF) was called out in a recent letter to the editor, authored by David Young, “for their [MTF’s] discriminatory ignorance towards riders. …”

As executive director, I request that MTF’s stance on the issue of e-mountain bikes (eMTBs) on singletrack be publicly enumerated, once again, in this letter to the editor.

First, emerging eMTB technology, and corresponding demand for trail access for this user group, have illuminated an absence of eMTB friendly trails within Park City’s “old-school” trail system.

As such, MTF has constructed and is dedicated to continuing construction of purpose-built eMTB trails. To increase opportunity for eMTBs, while preserving Park City’s existing trails and protecting the user experience for all types of trail users, MTF is working behind the scenes to meet this demand.

That said, as with Park City’s 40-year-old “analog” trail system, eMTB trails will take time to build. Development of eMTB-friendly trails is already well under way with Clark Ranch, SkyRidge and Deer Valley East all offering eMTB trails. Future connectivity, which is being developed, will provide more than 300 miles of eMTB trails. Additionally, all Wasatch County trails are currently eMTB friendly. There is not a lack of local eMTB trails on the Wasatch Back.

According to trail counter data in Park City’s trail system, hikers, dog walkers and trail runners (pedestrians) are by far the most numerous trail user group. The next most populus trail user group is analog mountain bikers.

The recent survey, conducted by a consultant and co-funded by Park City Municipal and Basin Recreation, indicates that the vast majority of pedestrian trail users do not support a change in the ordinance (which prohibits eMTBs on singletrack except for those 65 years and older or with mobility disability). According to the survey, Park City’s mountain bikers similarly support said ordinance.

As an advocate for all non-motorized trail user groups, MTF respects the results of the survey and the indicated wishes of the pedestrian and analog mountain bike trail user groups. While MTF opposes eMTB access on the entire trail system, we did support minor changes to the code downgrading the penalty for breaking this law (from Class B misdemeanor to infraction) and, in coordination with the wishes of Deer Valley Resort, the designation of certain Deer Valley trails as eMTB legal. We continue to advocate for greater enforcement.

Last, MTF’s 14-person board of directors and 15-person staff, including a highly skilled crew of professional trail builders, have worked tirelessly to preserve and improve Park City’s existing trail system, while eagerly seeking solutions for the growing eMTB trail user group. MTF’s team of 29 people covers a robust scope of expertise in the trails and outdoor industry that can, by no stretch of imagination, be considered ignorant or out of touch.

In this arena, Mr. Young, your comments reveal your own ignorance — and perhaps a measure of impatience and self-centeredness. Armed with the above information, I sincerely hope you will respect MTF’s efforts to expand eMTB-friendly trails while preserving Park City’s existing trail system.

Lora Anthony

Executive Director, Mountain Trails Foundation