Morris County Parks Commission Meeting

We remind northern NJ members – and especially Morris County residents, about the April 13th meeting on multi-use trails which we contacted you about last week. We urge you to make your views known to the Morris County Park Commission at the public comment session: 9:30 a.m. at Lee's Park in Mount Arlington. If you can’t attend, please write to them:

Morris County Park Commission
53 East Hanover Avenue, PO Box 1295
Morristown NJ 07962-1295

According the press reports, a draft report recommends the following:  Mountain biking should be allowed only on designated trails at Lewis Morris Park, in Morris, Mendham and Harding townships; Mahlon Dickerson Reservation in Jefferson and most segments of the Patriot's Path, which is a hiking trail that runs across most of the county.

Groups of more than 20 riders must get a special permit to use county parks. All mountain bikers must wear helmets and all bikes must be have warning bells or horns. Excessive speed would be prohibited, cyclists must yield to all other trail users, ride to the right in single file and be sensitive to the land, flora and fauna.

The NYNJTC position is that mountain bikers should be allowed on appropriate trails in the park system. Those trails are specifically designated and signed for multi-use and an adequate hiking trail system should be available to those who wish to travel on foot. Responsible riding and real enforcement of the rules is the key to success. The plan should be on a trial basis. If bikers are irresponsible users, further restrictions (i.e. permit) should be enacted. We find the 20 person group permit threshold too high and would recommend a lower one.

Last updated: 01/18/01