Bikes are prohibited on thousands of trails in Monterey County. Mountain bikers deserve a dedicated space to ride with trail features that enhance the riding experience, build skills, and attract riders of all ages and abilities. Within Fort Ord National Monument, Bureau of Land Management’s multi-use protocol prohibits building popular bike features like berms, jumps, and wooden structures.

WHAT'S AT STAKE:

Right now, there is historic funding and resources available for mountain bike projects. Laguna Seca Recreation Area – home to the Life Time Sea Otter Classic – is finalizing its Facilities Master Plan. This is Monterey’s golden opportunity to build a bike park and unlock significant funding and resources; generate proven community benefits and economic return; celebrate Laguna Seca’s cycling heritage; and address equitable access to trails. These funds could also cover costs for planned improvements to Laguna Seca parking, restrooms, and campgrounds.

TAKE ACTION - SIGN AND SHARE THIS PETITION BEFORE THE LAGUNA SECA FACILITIES MASTER PLAN IS FINALIZED:

Building a Laguna Seca bike park would be a win-win-win-win for Monterey County. Sign the petition and tell Monterey County Parks Commissioners our community can’t afford to miss this opportunity. Commissioners and County Supervisors must direct Friends of Laguna Seca to prioritize mountain bikes in the Facilities Master Plan before it is approved.

WE CALL ON THE MONTEREY COUNTY PARKS COMMISSION, FRIENDS OF LAGUNA SECA, AND COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO: 

• Identify mountain biking as a priority within the Laguna Seca Facilities Master Plan
• Develop a permanent bicycle slalom course or progressive-skills area that accommodates all ages and ability levels within Laguna Seca Recreation Area
• Outline the phased development of a bike park with trails and amenities designed for bikes within the Laguna Seca Facilities Master Plan
• Collaborate with MORCA (Monterey Off Road Cycling Association) to concept plans and access funding, planning, development, and maintenance resources

Background: 

Every April, the Sea Otter Classic cycling event attracts 85,000 visitors and generates $70 million in economic impact for greater Monterey; local businesses and families thrive through cycling but after the event, two of the biggest attractions – the slalom and downhill courses – are bulldozed and closed to public access. All those community benefits die overnight. Monterey has hosted the largest cycling event in the nation for more than 30 years but has not done anything to celebrate that heritage or sustain the community benefits.

Community input for new parks spaces in Monterey County like Palo Corona Regional Park or City of Monterey’s Old Capitol site has shown a community strongly in favor of bike access and bike amenities. But decision makers keep voting against bikes. And throughout Monterey County, bikes are prohibited on thousands of trails in state, regional, county, and city parks.

Monterey County mountain bikers deserve a dedicated space to ride with trail features that enhance the riding experience, build skills, and attract riders of all ages and abilities. Mountain biking is more popular than ever especially among youth. Through the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, 25,000 middle and high school students in 32 states participate in mountain biking as organized school sport – but most Monterey County kids are prohibited from riding on their own neighborhood and parks trails.

The economic and community benefits of mountain biking are clearer than ever. Across the country mountain biking is renown for its contributions to stewardship and community development. Bike parks foster stewardship, community connection, youth empowerment, improved bike safety, skills enhancement, and even a boost to tourism.