Protect Colorado Bike Parks & Dirt-jumps/Trails From Unauthorized/Motorized Use

Recent signers:
Hannah Marden and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Colorado’s bike parks and jump lines are not “spare lots” or unmanaged open land. They are public recreation assets—often shaped and maintained through thousands of volunteer hours, partnerships, and community stewardship. These features are designed for bicycles and human-powered use, not motorized torque, speed, weight, or repeated burnouts.

In particular, we are seeing recurring, unauthorized use by motorized vehicles, including:

  • Pit bikes
  • Dirt bikes / motocross motorcycles
  • Electric dirt bikes (commonly referred to by brand names like Sur-Ron, Talaria, etc.)
  • Other throttle-powered off-road vehicles using bike-only features

This petition is not aimed at pedal-assist e-mountain bikes (Class 1 e-MTBs). E-MTBs are bicycles and are not the problem described here. The concern is specifically throttle-driven and/or motorcycle-style motorized vehicles being operated where they are prohibited.

 

Unauthorized motorized activity has created issues ranging from dangerous to destructive, including:

Safety hazards & injury risk

  • High-speed motorized riding on shared lines creates collision risk with riders (including kids).
  • Riders and bystanders have reported close calls, intimidation, and unpredictable behavior.

Escalating public safety concerns

  • Reports of open drug use, aggressive loitering, and confrontational behavior.
  • Situations that feel intimidating and “takeover-like” (large groups), discouraging families and lawful users from visiting.

Damage to trails and park features

  • Ruts, braking bumps, blown-out lips/landings, widened lines, and degraded surfaces.
  • Repairs require significant labor and materials—often done by volunteers or already-stretched park staff.

Loss of access and community trust

  • When parks become unsafe or unusable, lawful users leave—and public support and funding erode.
  • The result is a slow collapse of spaces meant for healthy, positive recreation.

 

Locations of concern

We are particularly concerned about recurring issues at areas including, but not limited to:

  • Ruby Hill Bike Park
  • Barnum Bike Park
  • Dove Valley Bike Park
  • McKay Bike Park
  • Valmont Bike Park
  • And other local bike parks and dirt-jump/trail systems across the Front Range.

This petition is not meant to single out any one group of people—only to address prohibited behavior that is endangering others and damaging public property.

 

What we’re asking for:


We are not asking for vigilantism or conflict. We are asking for consistent enforcement, visible rules, and basic management tools that protect the public.

 

1.) Consistent enforcement of existing laws and park rules

We request coordinated enforcement focused on:

  • Unregistered/illegal operation where applicable
  • Trespass on restricted-use park facilities
  • Reckless endangerment / public safety violations
  • Drug use and intimidation when present
  • Even periodic enforcement (especially during peak hours) creates a strong deterrent.

 

2.) Clear, highly visible signage at key entry points

Install durable signs that plainly state:

  • No unauthorized motorized vehicles
  • Bicycles and permitted uses only
  • Reference applicable municipal code / park rules
  • Enforcement notice and a number/QR code to report violations

Signs should be placed at:

  • Main entrances / parking lots
  • Common access trails
  • Top of jump lines / primary staging areas

 

3.) A simple reporting process the public can actually use

Provide a clear method for park users to report issues:

  • A dedicated phone line or non-emergency guidance
  • An online form/QR code tied to the park
  • Guidance on what details matter (time, location, description)


 
Our shared goal


We support legal, designated places for motorized recreation. This petition is about protecting bike-specific parks and trails and keeping them safe, welcoming, and functional for everyone—especially families, youth riders, and volunteers who contribute to these spaces.

When prohibited motorized use becomes normalized, it doesn’t just “add another user group”—it endangers people, destroys infrastructure, and pushes lawful users out.

 
Closing statement


With respect—and with urgency—we ask you for help, and we ask you to act. The longer this continues, the more injuries, conflicts, and property damage become inevitable. We are requesting clear signage, consistent enforcement, and basic management steps that uphold rules already in place and protect Colorado’s public recreation resources.

Signed,
Concerned riders, volunteers, families, and community members across Colorado.

190

Recent signers:
Hannah Marden and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Colorado’s bike parks and jump lines are not “spare lots” or unmanaged open land. They are public recreation assets—often shaped and maintained through thousands of volunteer hours, partnerships, and community stewardship. These features are designed for bicycles and human-powered use, not motorized torque, speed, weight, or repeated burnouts.

In particular, we are seeing recurring, unauthorized use by motorized vehicles, including:

  • Pit bikes
  • Dirt bikes / motocross motorcycles
  • Electric dirt bikes (commonly referred to by brand names like Sur-Ron, Talaria, etc.)
  • Other throttle-powered off-road vehicles using bike-only features

This petition is not aimed at pedal-assist e-mountain bikes (Class 1 e-MTBs). E-MTBs are bicycles and are not the problem described here. The concern is specifically throttle-driven and/or motorcycle-style motorized vehicles being operated where they are prohibited.

 

Unauthorized motorized activity has created issues ranging from dangerous to destructive, including:

Safety hazards & injury risk

  • High-speed motorized riding on shared lines creates collision risk with riders (including kids).
  • Riders and bystanders have reported close calls, intimidation, and unpredictable behavior.

Escalating public safety concerns

  • Reports of open drug use, aggressive loitering, and confrontational behavior.
  • Situations that feel intimidating and “takeover-like” (large groups), discouraging families and lawful users from visiting.

Damage to trails and park features

  • Ruts, braking bumps, blown-out lips/landings, widened lines, and degraded surfaces.
  • Repairs require significant labor and materials—often done by volunteers or already-stretched park staff.

Loss of access and community trust

  • When parks become unsafe or unusable, lawful users leave—and public support and funding erode.
  • The result is a slow collapse of spaces meant for healthy, positive recreation.

 

Locations of concern

We are particularly concerned about recurring issues at areas including, but not limited to:

  • Ruby Hill Bike Park
  • Barnum Bike Park
  • Dove Valley Bike Park
  • McKay Bike Park
  • Valmont Bike Park
  • And other local bike parks and dirt-jump/trail systems across the Front Range.

This petition is not meant to single out any one group of people—only to address prohibited behavior that is endangering others and damaging public property.

 

What we’re asking for:


We are not asking for vigilantism or conflict. We are asking for consistent enforcement, visible rules, and basic management tools that protect the public.

 

1.) Consistent enforcement of existing laws and park rules

We request coordinated enforcement focused on:

  • Unregistered/illegal operation where applicable
  • Trespass on restricted-use park facilities
  • Reckless endangerment / public safety violations
  • Drug use and intimidation when present
  • Even periodic enforcement (especially during peak hours) creates a strong deterrent.

 

2.) Clear, highly visible signage at key entry points

Install durable signs that plainly state:

  • No unauthorized motorized vehicles
  • Bicycles and permitted uses only
  • Reference applicable municipal code / park rules
  • Enforcement notice and a number/QR code to report violations

Signs should be placed at:

  • Main entrances / parking lots
  • Common access trails
  • Top of jump lines / primary staging areas

 

3.) A simple reporting process the public can actually use

Provide a clear method for park users to report issues:

  • A dedicated phone line or non-emergency guidance
  • An online form/QR code tied to the park
  • Guidance on what details matter (time, location, description)


 
Our shared goal


We support legal, designated places for motorized recreation. This petition is about protecting bike-specific parks and trails and keeping them safe, welcoming, and functional for everyone—especially families, youth riders, and volunteers who contribute to these spaces.

When prohibited motorized use becomes normalized, it doesn’t just “add another user group”—it endangers people, destroys infrastructure, and pushes lawful users out.

 
Closing statement


With respect—and with urgency—we ask you for help, and we ask you to act. The longer this continues, the more injuries, conflicts, and property damage become inevitable. We are requesting clear signage, consistent enforcement, and basic management steps that uphold rules already in place and protect Colorado’s public recreation resources.

Signed,
Concerned riders, volunteers, families, and community members across Colorado.

The Decision Makers

Jared Polis
Colorado Governor
Denver City Council
2 Members
Jamie Torres
Denver City Council - District 3
Flor Alvidrez
Denver City Council - District 7
Jolon Clark
Jolon Clark
Executive Director, Denver Parks & Recreation
Ali Rhodes
Ali Rhodes
Director, City of Boulder Parks & Recreation

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates