Hikers Versus Bikers

As a longtime hiker in our local mountains, I fervently second John McKinney’s comments (“Finding the Rocky Edge of Civilization,” Hiking, April 19). Most mountain bikers do not give warning of their rapid approach. Some do--many times when they are nearly on top of a hiker, leaving little time to react.

Sharing of trails is a good idea when sharing can be accomplished with safety. Hikers and equestrians coexist nicely, probably because the terrain does not permit riding at a gallop. Bikers on a downhill are another story.

Along with many other hikers, I have written several letters on this subject to the powers that be, without any relief. The expressed attitude has been “we’ll try it and see if it works.” Well, it hasn’t worked, and any number of scared and injured hikers can confirm that.

It is time to abandon a failed experiment.

SIDNEY LEWINTER

Redondo Beach

Kudos to McKinney for his very accurate description of the Hummingbird Trail in Simi Hills.

Also unfortunately accurate is his portrayal of the terrible hazards of hiking on a trail not fit for bicycles at all--much less when these “butt-brains” literally fly down the trail with criminal disregard for anyone or anything on it. I’ve experienced this each of the several times I have hiked this otherwise unique and delightful trail.

JOAN S. WEAVER

Chatsworth