ACTION ALERT: NYC Parks Stealing Access from MTB Community

[Bikeworks]

After 20+ years of having vast trail access in Wolfe's Pond Park, the NYC Parks Department has, without public comment or notice, slashed the amount of MTB trails in half. They have also taken the liberty of renaming most of the trails. With only three(!) sanctioned areas for MTB in the entire NYC park system, they have decided to not only pare down that access in the City's greenest borough, but also do so to one of the most active of NYCMTB's groups. Without this group, Wolfe's Pond Park would still likely be filled with abandoned cars, appliances, and vast amounts of garbage, to say nothing of it being largely devoid of the expansive, well-maintained (~2500 volunteer hours a year) trail system the Parks Department has now repurposed.

We are holding a Critical Mass type of event on February 25th. If anyone can show up and ride in support, we appreciate it. Also appreciate any legal insights.

 

[qclabrat]

After 20+ years of having vast trail access in Wolfe's Pond Park, the NYC Parks Department has, without public comment or notice, slashed the amount of MTB trails in half. They have also taken the liberty of renaming most of the trails. With only three(!) sanctioned areas for MTB in the entire NYC park system, they have decided to not only pare down that access in the City's greenest borough, but also do so to one of the most active of NYCMTB's groups. Without this group, Wolfe's Pond Park would still likely be filled with abandoned cars, appliances, and vast amounts of garbage, to say nothing of it being largely devoid of the expansive, well-maintained (~2500 volunteer hours a year) trail system the Parks Department has now repurposed.

We are holding a Critical Mass type of event on February 25th. If anyone can show up and ride in support, we appreciate it. Also appreciate any legal insights.

Are they closing the trails or limiting MTB access? Seems similar to Nassau where half the trails are now banned to MTB. I rarely go there anymore since there's no longer a sensible loop.

 

[Bikeworks]

Are they closing the trails or limiting MTB access? Seems similar to Nassau where half the trails are now banned to MTB. I rarely go there anymore since there's no longer a sensible loop.

Limiting access and expanding "hiking" trails. The biggest insult is as I said, that the MTB community is almost entirely responsible for the trails existence, as well as for their maintenance.

 

[iman29]

Limiting access and expanding "hiking" trails. The biggest insult is as I said, that the MTB community is almost entirely responsible for the trails existence, as well as for their maintenance.

Sounds like a great item for one of those news segments “7 on your side” kinda thing where the investigative reporters help and they run a story on TV.

Also wondering if some kind of legal incident or issue happened that prompted this so suddenly.

 

[Bikeworks]

Sounds like a great item for one of those news segments “7 on your side” kinda thing where the investigative reporters help and they run a story on TV.

Also wondering if some kind of legal incident or issue happened that prompted this so suddenly.

Supposedly this is the organization Parks is getting its cues from:

Home - Natural Areas Conservancy

The Natural Areas Conservancy is an environmental nonprofit connecting people to New York City nature and parks by increasing access, education, and jobs.

naturalareasnyc.org

 

[Bikeworks]

This is happening today at 11, starting from the Carousel in Willowbrook off of Eton Place. Ground should be frozen, and there will be a beer or two to be had afterwoods.

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[a.s.]

This is happening today at 11, starting from the Carousel in Willowbrook off of Eton Place. Ground should be frozen, and there will be a beer or two to be had afterwoods.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.com

Can't make it but good luck. Hope you get a good turnout.

 

[Bikeworks]

Ground was decidedly not frozen; had about 30 show up and ride, and a handful of roadies for the photo op. I'll post the next one when I know about it