HomeMy WebLinkAboutcomments to OSBT 3-11-26
Linda Andes-Georges
8417 Stirrup Ln
Longmont CO 80503
Mar. 11, 2026
Open Space Board of Trustees
Re: adding cyclists to south Boulder nature trails, using multi-modal 7C as prompt
Dear Board members:
I must bow to the stubborn nature of a current balky computer and send you a late note. I
regret not being able to appear in person tonight.
It seems necessary to remind you (once again) that as a Board you are entrusted with
caring for the lands in our Open Space collection, meaning not only focusing on the
recreation upon them, but really caring for the health and longevity of savannas, forests,
riparian areas and wildlife. In meeting after meeting I see you leaning hard on staff to
cooperate with your drive to accommodate a special interest group instead of addressing
pressing concerns about preserving the land—in what remains as their natural state.
Furthermore, there is another important aspect to the recreational use issue, which was
decided by a citywide agreement in 2011. One of you stated recently, “There seems to be a
generational gap here.” That was the only acknowledgement of the fact that a half dozen
folks stood before you, asking you to be aware of the vast majority of trail users who are
not on bikes! We met many of these of all ages as we hiked the Greenbriar Connector
and the Bluestem trail last Sunday, and we asked them for their thoughts (we cared). The
families with small children, the elderly (yep, those folks), the botanists and the
birdwatchers were almost always opposed to adding another significant-impact group to
the mix. Bikers have other options –including (as we said at the December meeting) a safe
road alternative to reaching Marshall Mesa and points west. Safety measures are already
planned, and we agree that more should be added.
Please include the rest of us in your deliberations.
Yours sincerely,
Linda Andes-Georges