stilluf
Well-Known Member
JORBA STATEMENT ON RESULT OF UNION COUNTY FREEHOLDER VOTE
We are deeply disappointed by the Union County Freeholders’ vote against mountain biking access at Watchung Reservation. JORBA continues to believe that there is a clear support for, as well as a space in, Union County for mountain biking.
Thank you to everyone who spoke out in favor of access, as well as to everyone who favored a compromise. We were encouraged by the comments of Mountainside and Summit mayors and councilman supporting a compromise. Special thanks to Freeholders Estrada, Mirabella, and Hudak for their unwavering support for mountain biking access at Watchung. They understand the clear benefit of adding this healthy activity and responsible user group to the Reservation. JORBA recognizes all of the legitimate concerns raised at tonight’s meeting, as well as at other stakeholder meetings, especially the need to implement sustainable trails at Watchung. We welcome a dialogue to address these concerns, and believe that agreement can be reached to mitigate them.
Although we disagree with his conclusion, we also appreciate Chairman Bergen’s lengthy explanation of his vote against mountain biking access. His comments discounting the risk of legal liability, as well as cost and other issues, were a welcome check against some of the more extreme comments put forth by mountain biking opponents.
We disagree with Mr. Bergen’s conclusion that mountain biking would adversely impact Watchung. This position is not supported by the facts, which consistently show in independent, peer reviewed studies, that mountain biking has similar impact on trails as foot traffic, and much less impact than equestrian use. In addition, calculations regarding park acreage per mile of trails in Lewis Morris Park were inaccurate. We strongly feel that the addition of sustainable trails and committed volunteers would enhance the park, not harm it, and we stand by our offer to mobilize a considerable workforce if given access.
Nonetheless, there is clear support in Union County for mountain biking. The Freeholders noted that comments for and against mountain biking were evenly split, and that communications to them on this issue were in the thousands. This deep and wide base of support is also shown by the many passionate advocates who have turned out for every public meeting, been ready for volunteer trail work, and offered positive support for mountain biking.
The Union County Chapter of JORBA is committed to advocating for biking access. We will continue to support the Summit NICA team and its riders. We will also support the many Union County children who ride, including continuing our efforts to introduce underprivileged kids to off road biking through our national Trips for Kids Chapter.
We agree whole heartedly with the many speakers and Freeholders who stated that there is a place in the county for biking. Indeed, we are already actively pursuing other parks for suitable options, and intend to meet with stakeholders to create a new proposal in the near future. Given the deep well of support in Union County for this healthy and positive activity, JORBA is committed to redoubling its efforts for access.
Andrew Stillufsen
Jamie Meiselman
Chris Brawley
Union County JORBA Co-Leaders
Ken Seebeck
JORBA Executive Director
www.jorba.org
We are deeply disappointed by the Union County Freeholders’ vote against mountain biking access at Watchung Reservation. JORBA continues to believe that there is a clear support for, as well as a space in, Union County for mountain biking.
Thank you to everyone who spoke out in favor of access, as well as to everyone who favored a compromise. We were encouraged by the comments of Mountainside and Summit mayors and councilman supporting a compromise. Special thanks to Freeholders Estrada, Mirabella, and Hudak for their unwavering support for mountain biking access at Watchung. They understand the clear benefit of adding this healthy activity and responsible user group to the Reservation. JORBA recognizes all of the legitimate concerns raised at tonight’s meeting, as well as at other stakeholder meetings, especially the need to implement sustainable trails at Watchung. We welcome a dialogue to address these concerns, and believe that agreement can be reached to mitigate them.
Although we disagree with his conclusion, we also appreciate Chairman Bergen’s lengthy explanation of his vote against mountain biking access. His comments discounting the risk of legal liability, as well as cost and other issues, were a welcome check against some of the more extreme comments put forth by mountain biking opponents.
We disagree with Mr. Bergen’s conclusion that mountain biking would adversely impact Watchung. This position is not supported by the facts, which consistently show in independent, peer reviewed studies, that mountain biking has similar impact on trails as foot traffic, and much less impact than equestrian use. In addition, calculations regarding park acreage per mile of trails in Lewis Morris Park were inaccurate. We strongly feel that the addition of sustainable trails and committed volunteers would enhance the park, not harm it, and we stand by our offer to mobilize a considerable workforce if given access.
Nonetheless, there is clear support in Union County for mountain biking. The Freeholders noted that comments for and against mountain biking were evenly split, and that communications to them on this issue were in the thousands. This deep and wide base of support is also shown by the many passionate advocates who have turned out for every public meeting, been ready for volunteer trail work, and offered positive support for mountain biking.
The Union County Chapter of JORBA is committed to advocating for biking access. We will continue to support the Summit NICA team and its riders. We will also support the many Union County children who ride, including continuing our efforts to introduce underprivileged kids to off road biking through our national Trips for Kids Chapter.
We agree whole heartedly with the many speakers and Freeholders who stated that there is a place in the county for biking. Indeed, we are already actively pursuing other parks for suitable options, and intend to meet with stakeholders to create a new proposal in the near future. Given the deep well of support in Union County for this healthy and positive activity, JORBA is committed to redoubling its efforts for access.
Andrew Stillufsen
Jamie Meiselman
Chris Brawley
Union County JORBA Co-Leaders
Ken Seebeck
JORBA Executive Director
www.jorba.org