Bikers aren’t the only ones who cause damage

January 24, 2006

Editor:

Imagine for a moment a section of pristine wilderness, seemingly untouched by man. As you are enjoying the peace and tranquility that nature provides,?a mountain biker rides by.

Obviously, mountain bikers are the only ones who ?cause damage to the areas we should be able to enjoy. At least, that is what Mike Vandeman would like you to believe (“Mountain biking is too destructive,” Jan. 23).

This argument is similar to one between WW kayakers and others (mostly fishermen) in the Southeast. Some say that kayakers should be banned for being destructive, even as they stomp through riparian habitat to reach their favorite fishing hole and leave beer bottles on the riverbank when they leave.

Granted, not all fishermen are like this, and not all kayakers are good to the environment.

This is true in mountain biking, as well. Some are destructive, sure, just as some hikers are destructive.

If you feel that an area is being destroyed, don’t isolate one group. If an area is closed to access, it should be closed to everyone because everyone?has at least some impact.

Scott SyndergaardFreshman, Biology

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