Although hikers will say otherwise, mountain bikes have a small impact on the erosion of trails, horses are much worse. IMBA has dedicated a lot of resources to keeping trails open for everyone. Finally, credit where it is due. Some large wilderness areas have areas set aside for motorbikes. That is ridiculous.
Mountain bikes are low impact, environmentally safe, and respectful of both hikers and nature.
Let the dirt people ride. Here's a cool poem my excellent friend Lecia Zulak wrote during a fit of winter boredom. If only, It would be, To take a ride on the, Two-wheeled, pedal pushed trolley. Just read your mag for the first time and was hooked. I was so inspired, I wrote a poem about a recent mountain biking foray.