National Park Service: I support the proposed bicycling rule change

Thank you for accepting my comments concerning RIN 1024-AD72, the National Park Service rule change for bicycling.  I fully support the proposed rule [which would revoke the current blanket restriction of bicycles to paved roads in National Parks, and allow park managers to consider allowing bicycles on trails on a case by case basis].

Bicycling is a clean, environmentally friendly recreational activity.  It is similar to hiking in its overall impact, and is far lower than any motorized or pack animal use. I am firmly convinced that there are many trails in the national park system where bicycling would be compatible with the natural values and with other users.

As I'm sure you are aware, the vast majority of national park visitors never enjoy the parks away from their vehicles.  Allowing safe bicycling would broaden the parks' recreational offerings to both children and adults, and encourage many more to explore the parks away from their cars.

I visit national parks frequently.  In recent years I have hiked in Badlands, Olympic, North Cascades, Joshua Tree and Yosemite, as well as many lower profile areas such as Mojave National Preserve, Newberry and Ebey's Landing.  I have mountain biked at Mount Saint Helens National Monument, and consider it a prime example of what should be possible in national parks.

I have bicycled around Crater Lake a number of times, but limit myself to once per year (and only on a weekday) because the road is so dangerous.  It has always seemed odd to me that in most national parks bicycles are permitted only on narrow, crowded roads shared with inattentive motorists and hulking RVs.

Earlier this year I visited Death Valley, exploring spectacular Echo Canyon and Chloride City by bike, even spending a night "bikepacking" on dirt roads away from the car.  Surely allowing quiet, clean bicycles on some of the old roads, ways and trails closed to motor vehicles could be compatible with the values of this magnificent and rugged park.

Mountain biking will help bring additional tourist dollars to communities near parks at a time when public lands visitation is declining.  Mountain bikers also volunteer prolifically, and can be counted on to show up to help build environmentally sound, sustainable trails.

Thank you for considering my comment.  Bicycling is a wonderful way to explore our national parks and I hope the proposed rule change will be implemented.

PUBLISHED: Send in the plows

Isn't it slick?

Don't you love ruts?

Bouncing near airborne on ice chunks, getting stuck in mid-lane.

Send in the plows.

But where are the plows?

There ought to be plows.

Well, maybe ... next year.

Bailout filibuster was class warfare

I am no big fan of the Detroit automakers.  I initially opposed their bailout, and only grudgingly supported it when it was scaled back and got some teeth put into it.

But then Republican Senators from states with foreign auto plants killed it.

Suddenly I realized that this was another skirmish in the Republicans' continuing war on working people.  And, suddenly, I became ready to march in the streets in favor of the bailout.