Biking and Respect for the Environment

I read a letter from Martin Dugard (April 3) regarding your article: “Hard Pedaling It.” In his letter, he accused mountain bikers of increasing trail erosion and “other” decay.

I don’t see where two bicycle tires are any worse than two running shoes. No, it’s not the bike or the running shoes but insensitivity to the environment that caused problems.

Incidentally, this jogger accuses bikers of joining a hip, passing fancy. Interesting irony: the pot calling the kettle black.

I also notice this Costa Mesa resident claiming El Moro Canyon and Crystal Cove as if they were his own. No, they must be shared, not only by those who live closer, but by those who live farther away. Let’s hope they all can be educated to respect this beautiful natural environment, be they bikers, joggers or anyone else.

Locations like Catalina Island have already been closed to biking. Let’s not make this sport the new scapegoat where only outlaws can ride the best trails. But rather, as with any new sport, educate the newcomer to reduce the impact on the environment.

I’m in favor of a continuous trail from Newport to Laguna. Maybe Orange County can be the pacesetter for this new sport with the first national mountain bike trail.

There are others who would like to keep this outdoor environment to themselves. But promotion of healthy outdoor activities is what this country needs, not narrow-minded protectionism.

JOHN ALBRITTON

Corona del Mar