Mountain bikers have been fighting for places to ride ever since the first mountain bikes were created. Hikers and horse back riders have been unwilling to share trails with them from the start.
Half the country seems to have their heads up their a**es..
Did they think big gov was their friend?
“Hahahahaha! I laugh because I’ll bet many of the mountain bikers that are now freaking were in forefront to get these “wilderness” designations in the first place and to ban activities they didn’t like in those areas (like motorized vehicles, hunting, etc). They’re just shocked it’s coming around to bite them in the ass.”
99% of the rabid bikers are liberals, who think they should have trails just for them. As you noted in your reply, they are often the forefront shock troops to get areas tp ban motor vehicles. When it bites them, they can’t believe it.
In N California in the past decade, more and more 4x4 and simple access roads to our rivers and parks have been blocked by boulders and trees to keep those of us with vehicles out the desireable area.
Most of the time there is a bike passage area where the bikers can go in and out with no problem. Many if not most of these areas require daily or yearly vehicle passes, and the cost of these passes go up each year. The bikers can park their cars outside the park or rec area and ride their bikes into the areas for free. The rest of us pay for the rangers with our daily or yearly passes and the maintenance of the bike trails which ban/block motor vehicles. Injuries to visitors requiring a meat wagon and emts are often for bikers doing things that can lead to serious accidents.
If you are a fisher with young children or grand children, it has become impossible to safely use these trails to get to the rivers or lakes to fish. If the kids don’t get ran over by the bikers, you have pack in their gear, food, water and clothing change as well as yours because your vehicle is blocked from getting on those trails to the water.
Places that used be a simple 100 yard or less walk in are often several hundred yards to a half mile walk in. No problem for the bikers they have maintained trails to get them to and from the good areas for free.
The America River Parkway system is a prime example of making it great for bikers. Decades ago I lived there with two young sons. There were all types of roads taking us to the water or close. I could haul the kids’s gear and whatever in my 4X4 have it stowed in the vehicle nearby. I can’t do that now with my grandkids. There is only one of the park areas where you can drive to the river and a 4x4 is required. Most boat ramps have been closed making launching a boat a tactical exercise.
Last but not least, these ban the vehicle areas force you to park in unattended lots away from the water. These makes your vehicles targets for the druggies roaming the parks on their bikes.