"Blackblade" wrote in message ...

Edward Dolan wrote:
Serious hikers are NOT a tiny minority. They are the vast
majority of hikers.
[...]

We disagree about the risks. But of course, as you should well
know by now, that is not the main reason I am against biking on trails. However,
it may be that the risk factor will prove in the end to be the dominating
factor.

Yes, we disagree. But, unlike you, I've provided real data from third party sources and you're provided ... zip, nada, bupkiss beyond your own simple assertion.

Your “real data” stinks. I have provided many reports of actual events in specific locations from various media.
[...]

The trails were there for the use and enjoyment of hikers long before
mountain bikes were ever invented.

And, your point is what ? We've already done to death the fact that trails have been put to many uses over the centuries. The trails belong to people so use can change if people want it to.

It only matters what trails have been used for since the establishment of the National Parks (late 1800’s). Before that it doesn't matter any more than the last 20 years or so doesn’t matter (since the advent of mountain biking). That is the status quo ante.
[...]

All I have ever gotten from you are some
ridiculous data and the fact that you want to do what you want to do regardless
of how it effects others.

I've stated my opinions too ... I don't think anyone reading this thread would be unaware of them. However, unlike you, I prefer to test my hypotheses and assertions with real-world data. I'm sure that all the people whose research I've cited and whose work you consider 'ridiculous' would be more than happy to read your research on the issues ... oh, sorry, you don't have any do you ?

“Your “real data” stinks. I have provided many reports of actual events in specific locations from various media.” – Ed Dolan
[...]

I have told you how it effects me and Mr. Vandeman and
other serious hikers of which there are many hundreds of thousands.

Yes, you have, but I only believe you about you and vandeman ... I don't think there are hundreds of thousands of others who hold the same opinion, I've certainly never met anyone with such extreme views as yours, and you're unable or unwilling to provide any data to backup that assertion.

All serious hikers think exactly like me. We don’t want bicycles on our trails.
[...]

Mountain bikers are barbarians and have no right to be on any trail used by hikers – unless they want to get off their god damn ****ing bikes and walk like everyone else. When they crash and injure themselves, I rejoice! If and when they manage to kill themselves, I say good riddance to bad rubbish! Death to mountain biking!

“Tread softly! All the earth is holy ground.”
~ Christina Rossetti (Psalm 24),
from "A Later Life: A Double Sonnet of Sonnets"

Mountain bikes have wheels. Wheels are for roads.

Trails are for walking. What’s the matter? Can’t walk?

Ed Dolan the Great
aka
Saint Edward the Great