HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/6/2021 Item 4b, Eulate
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Andres Eulate <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Bike Pump Tracks - Oct 6 Park & Rec Commission Meeting
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Dear Parks & Rec Commission,
I was saddened by the recent removal of the dirt jumps near Costco, but I would like to take this opportunity to show
support for having the City provide a replacement facility. Although the dirt jumps grew organically on unauthorized
property, I think their popularity showed that there is a need in the community for off road cycling facilities. These types
of unauthorized trails and jumps pop up on underutilized properties in many cities, providing a place for kids (and
adults) to ride and have fun and also learn a little bit about trail maintenance and stewardship.
I hope the City will look at the community input as an indicator of public support for this kind of facility. Though the
Costco jumps were unofficial, many cities have developed official bicycle parks to provide a place to ride and congregate
that is more than just a trail or bike path. A great example of a similar park that grew from community input is the Morro
Bay Bike Park. Many cities have installed pump tracks, bicycle skills parks, velodromes and BMX tracks as bike-focused
facilities that offer a place to have fun and promote cycling. These kinds of places can highlight that San Luis Obispo is a
bike-friendly City and aid in promoting cycling as not just a sport, but a great means of transportation. As a community, I
think the more facilities like this that we can develop, and the more we promote cycling in general, the better off we will
be.
On a personal level, riding to the local unauthorized trails near my house when I was growing up was my first
introduction to the freedom and autonomy that cycling can provide. I’m sure those early experiences were the
beginning of a lifelong love of cycling both as a competitor later in life and as a long-time commuter.
Please consider expediting review and approval for an easily accessible bike park within the City.
Thanks for your consideration,
Andres Eulate
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