Statements on Watchung Reservation Vote

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
 

TheLonerider

Well-Known Member
If they only put half as much effort into trail access as they did to the new signs, pamphlets, police patrols, and now apparently a big police sign posted on skytop....

For that matter think they doth protest too much. Its like they're trying to convince themselves the emperor is wearing clothes.

I mean, common sense, if there was a good reason for the policy and the law was clear, and implementation above reproach, would they have to do all this sh!t?

I mean, no one posts signs, fliers and whatnot to say "don't rob the bank" -- everyone kind of already knows its against the law and for good reason. This on the other hand....
 

TheLonerider

Well-Known Member
stupidty is their county park regs... which to this day say nothing re mt biking or bikes on trails.

However they do open with this:
"
  1. Registration requirement. No person shall operate a bicycle upon any property owned or otherwise under the control of the County of Union unless such bicycle has first been registered with the municipality wherein the owner resides, as evidenced by a registration certificate, license plate, or decal from that municipality."
It is obvious from this that no one in county gov't has ridden a bicycle in the last 40 years or cares to know about what it entails.
 

TheLonerider

Well-Known Member
I asked a bike shop owner that recently, he said in that town they'd laugh.

You might find a town would do it if you asked, but obviously no one requires it or we couldn't even ride on the street to the store. I mean when was the last time you bought a bike and had to register it before riding it?

I think it shows how clueless they are re cycling.
 

Roadie

Well-Known Member
stupidty is their county park regs... which to this day say nothing re mt biking or bikes on trails.

However they do open with this:
"
  1. Registration requirement. No person shall operate a bicycle upon any property owned or otherwise under the control of the County of Union unless such bicycle has first been registered with the municipality wherein the owner resides, as evidenced by a registration certificate, license plate, or decal from that municipality."
It is obvious from this that no one in county gov't has ridden a bicycle in the last 40 years or cares to know about what it entails.
So you need a registration to ride but they don't provide registrations. That's pretty shitty
 

thegock

Well-Known Member
Wonder what would happen if someone tries to register their bike?? :shrug:


Don't ask. In Westfield, it's a dollar and only available at Town Hall from Andra at the Police Records window 908.789.6065. Bring your bike. Give up the dough. In Cranford, $4. Move to Westfield!
 
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MadisonDan

Well-Known Member
Team MTBNJ Halter's
Amazing all the off leash dogs, off trail hiking, and graffiti at the Res... just search #FreeWatchung in IG
 

Blair

Well-Known Member
stupidty is their county park regs... which to this day say nothing re mt biking or bikes on trails.

However they do open with this:
"
  1. Registration requirement. No person shall operate a bicycle upon any property owned or otherwise under the control of the County of Union unless such bicycle has first been registered with the municipality wherein the owner resides, as evidenced by a registration certificate, license plate, or decal from that municipality."
It is obvious from this that no one in county gov't has ridden a bicycle in the last 40 years or cares to know about what it entails.
Does that include roads and sidewalks?

Just for fun you should propose a $1,000 fee for registration on legal biking as another source of cash flow estimating 100k per year in county profit(as a complete joke). I bet dollar signs would pass this. Either that or make your own registration sticker.
 

Shorepoints

Well-Known Member
Guys, keep in mind, with the stroke of a pen (and 5 votes) the Freeholders could change/write a new ordinance that simply says, "No Mountain Biking in Union County Parks" so I think obsessing about the crappy old ordinances is a waste of energy. We are formulating our next steps now (as the JORBA statement states) and looking at launching an initiative for alternative sites for legal riding in UC. We will set up a JORBA UC official Facebook page shortly and that can be our "official" site for news and info on everything moving forward. Stay tuned...
 
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