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Support Chapman Bike Access at OSMP Open House
As you've read, Chapman Drive opened to the public in early January with bikes being allowed uphill access only. Now that it's open and riders can experience the road that connects Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff Road, it's time to have a community discussion about whether to allow bikes downhill access in this corridor.
BMA trail geeks have already taken a hard look at this corridor. Below are our observations that you can use as talking points at the meeting:
- Reports of a 10% grade and possible user conflict were exaggerated since it's a relatively twisty and meandering road with mellow grades.
- Chapman Drive isn't a "destination," and makes sense in the context of regional trail connections (imagine a loop that starts in Boulder, climbs to Walker Ranch, and returns to Boulder through Eldorado Canyon State Park).
- Given these realities, we believe bikes can go downhill on Chapman Drive without significant user conflict. Significant signage and user education will be necessary, but it's a trail that all can enjoy safely.
If you haven't ridden it, we encourage you to do so and make your own assessment.
Please consider attending the open house Wednesday Feb 13 to show your support for downhill bike access on Chapman.
What: Community meeting to discuss bike and dog access options on Chapman Drive Trail
When : Wednesday, Feb. 13, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Where: Boulder City Council Chambers Lobby, 1777 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302
Check out trail information and conditions on BMA's Chapman Drive page.
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Don't be a Jerk! Be Nice!
Mountain bikers are experiencing the upside of climate change this winter - warm temps and dry conditions stink for skiing, but the front country trails are in fantastic condition. But the high country and limited daylight keeps us on a short list of trails and they are getting hammered.
 On Saturday, January 26, Hall Ranch and Heil Ranch saw some of the highest user visit counts ever for this time of year. The Boulder Bike Patrol reported that just about everyone was friendly and courteous -- thanks riders!
But it's worth repeating, when only a few trails are open, we have to expect to encounter dozens of other users and riders on the trail and put a foot down more often than we'd like. Boulder County recently noted that cyclist "noncompliance" with trail etiquette is only at 14%, pretty low relative to other user groups. This is leaps and bounds better than a decade ago, and it was noted that singletrack cyclists are much more courteous than those on gravel trails east of the foothills and the Boulder Canyon Trail, but suffice it to say that as user group we could do better.
One of the most effective things we can do on the trail is to communicate our presence to others when we are approaching them. Whether it be a bike bell or a simple hello, communicating makes a difference.
Let's adjust our expectations accordingly and expect to see many other users on warm winter days. These trails belong to all of us, so remember to say hello and follow good trail etiquette.
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Oops! Contact Form is Down
Internet gremlins have been sabotaging BMA's email! If you used the BMA contact form at bouldermountainbike.org/contact anytime in the last few months and have not received a response, please send a new email directly to web@bouldermountainbike.org and we'll get right on that. Thanks!
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