Conference noted::bicycle

1293.0. "How much damage do we do?" by CSCOA3::HUFFSTETLER () Tue Aug 22 1989 13:42

Has anyone seen anything from foresty-types or environmentalists that says 
just how much damage an ATB can do to the land.  Obviously if I get out and 
raise a lot of cain by riding over bushes and stuff I'm going to do some 
damage, and if there are other bikers out there doing the same thing then 
it will have a big environmental impact.  

What I'm talking about is riding on a hiking trail.  Do ATBs cause a lot of 
erosion and trail damage?  My specific case is that I've heard rumors that  
one trail I ride may be closed to bikes, yet the Park Service will continue 
to allow horses on the same trail.  It seems to me that a horse (1500 lbs?) 
will cause a helluva lot more damage to the trail than a 180 lb rider on a 
bike, but when you come to a washed out area that'e been dug up pretty good, 
all you see are tire tracks.

Any ideas or thoughts on it?

Thanks,

Scott

    This has been discussed here before.  I think the conclusion  was that
    hough a horse makes deeper impressions, bikes make a continuous rut
    that's more likely to erode.
    
    MATT

    Also, most damage is done (whether hiking, cycling, or horse riding)
    after substantial rains.
    
    steve