ACTION ALERT: NYC Parks Stealing Access from MTB Community

Bikeworks

Bikeworks

Well-Known Member
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.

 
Bikeworks said:
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.

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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.
 
qclabrat said:
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.
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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.
 
Bikeworks said:
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.
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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.
 
iman29 said:
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.
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Supposedly this is the organization Parks is getting its cues from:

naturalareasnyc.org

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 naturalareasnyc.org
 
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.

www.google.com

Google Maps

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Bikeworks said:
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.

www.google.com

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
www.google.com www.google.com
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Can't make it but good luck. Hope you get a good turnout.
 
Bikeworks said:
Meetings were held, all positive. There's actually been some really good trail improvement at Wolfe's, latest being a bench cut done by the BSA.

Anyone have interest in riding out here I, or any of the other SI Trail Riders from NYCMTB are happy to lead a ride. Thanks for the support, and the bump!
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Good to hear something positive!
 
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