mx_599

before i go and try to search the net, are any of you familiar with any type of land usage studies that compared bikes and horses...outcome?

i ask because i might want to propose a trial of allowing mtn bikes on some trails that currently allow hikers and horses.

i would need to present my case in a professional manner.

thanks

mx

santiago

I think IMBA has a study that they quote often comparing the different trail use erosion effects. Head over to https://imba.com

ca7erham

I've never seen any studies, but I'd assume you're going with the fact that horses are WAY more destructive? I'd absolutly love to see some of those studies and wish you a great deal of luck.

Once factor around here for all of the horse trails (compared to MTB trails) is that horse owners tend to be better off financially and donate a good deal of money to the park districts.

mx_599

thanks guys!

mx_599

oh i don't know that they are way more destructive or not? i suppose a lot would have to do with the amount of traffic of either horse or bike.

it just blows that they allow horse and hiker and not bikes. the area i am referring to is the black hills in SD. there is a possibility i am going there. not sure yet.

they allow bikes in certain areas but prohibit them at the heart of the the black hills reserve. I think it is home to one of the largest bison herds in North America or something. i would love to be able to see some of this area...but i am not getting a horse. i can only cover so much ground trail running.

i am unsure if they are concerned with wildlife or erosion. if they allowed bikes, i am pretty sure there would not be a ton of them on the trails. from what i gather, i think it is somewhat remote.

at any rate, i am jumping the the gun. i do not even know if i am going there. just getting prepared

mx

ca7erham

Here they do WAYYYYYY more damage because of the way our soil handles rain. Yeah, the black hills is a really cool area, I wish you luck.

born2bahick

I run on trails that allow horses and bikes, yes the horses dig deeper divits and make more erosion on the steeps, not on the flats.

Daspydyr 

MTB Magazine fought this back in the early 90's. Horses and MTBs were actually a good match for trails. Hoof prints break up the streams created by tire grooves. Tires break up the Hoof prints and smooth out the ride. Both groups need to volunteer to maintain good trails. But I don't have the research or remember the year it was argued and researched.

mx_599

i know this has been discussed before, thanks for the updated info everyone.

i will follow up with this post should anything ever become of it

mx