New Provincial Park Could Ban Mountain Biking

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
09-24-07
Contact: Lora Woolner

303-545-9011

A dangerous precedent will be set if the new Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park prohibits mountain biking. The proposed park management plan currently calls for a ban on our activity, though it would allow ATV use on designated routes.

The new Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is classified as a Natural Environment Park--which is defined as a park that "incorporates outstanding recreational landscapes with representative natural features and historical resources. These parks provide high quality recreational and educational experiences."

Unfortunately, Ontario Parks has not clearly stated their reasons for this drastic change in management policy. IMBA Canada believes Kawartha Highlands should be managed similarly to other Natural Environment Parks, such as Algonquin Provincial Park and Pretty River Valley Provincial Park, and allow mountain biking.

Take Action!

Use IMBA's simple online form to help overturn this anti-bike proposal and prevent a damaging precedent. Mountain bikers must speak up now, or future parks are likely to follow a similar path, severely limiting our singletrack access.

You can also submit comments through Ontario Parks' website or write a letter to the address below:

David Coulas, Park Superintendent
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park
106 Monck Street, PO Box 500
Bancroft, ON KOL 1C0

Comments are due by October 22.

Talking Points

• Please manage Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park like other Natural Environment Parks (such as Algonquin Provincial Park and Pretty River Valley Provincial Park) and allow mountain biking.
• Mountain biking is a quiet, low-impact, human-powered, and sustainable activity compatible with wild places.
• With its health and fitness benefits, mountain biking fits with Ontario's Active2010 goals, and should be considered a positive, environmentally responsible activity in our Provincial Parks.
• Mountain bikers cherish the opportunity to explore natural settings under their own power. Backcountry areas are extremely important to our community and feature prominently in the origins of our sport.
• A growing scientific consensus shows the environmental impacts of mountain biking are similar to hiking and far less than horse or ATV use.