Mountain biking is enjoyed on bicycles especially designed to be used off-road on unpaved trails. 11 million mountain bikes were sold to U.S. adults in the last 18 months and it is estimated that some 30 million people ride their bikes off-road. Mountain biking continues to be one of the fastest growing forms of recreation. It is enjoyed by all age groups and is an activity an entire family can share. In many parts of the country, bicycling is quickly becoming a primary use of trails.
Rules call for bicycle riders to stay on designated trails.
So, it is important to have a designated trail system. However, closing a trail to biking, should be viewed as the last resort. A variety of time - tested management options exist that answer environmental and social concerns, without closing trails to bicycle use. We have been part of the multi-use Cook County Forest Preserves Trail Committee for over two years. We ask for this committee to be reconvened.