Cycling Ban
The Catalina Conservancy has made a mistake in banning bicycles from the interior of Catalina Island.
Bicycles provide a very enjoyable means of exploring the island. Concerns about environmental impact and safety are justified, but they would be better addressed by restricting bicycles to existing roads and trails and educating bicyclists about safe and environmentally sound riding habits (perhaps with pamphlets given out with permits).
Furthermore, bicyclists cause much less damage than the introduced populations of goats and buffalo, whose grazing and trampling has already caused erosion and destruction of native plant life.
Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular, and Catalina is a perfect place to enjoy this sport. The conservancy could maximize the appreciation of the island without compromising safety or the environment by working to solve these problems rather than banning bicycling. It’s worth the effort.
RICHARD F. AMBROSE
Los Angeles
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