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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/16/2018 Item 9, Buxton From:Brad Buxton < To:E-mail Council Website Subject:Trail Access After Dark To the Council: I support after dark city open space access. I am a 14year resident of SLO and studied Natural Resources Management at Calpoly. We have been riding bicycle in city open space after dark every year. Only recently did I learn that it was not permitted and we stopped the practice. We have never had a issues with wildlife, trail users, or city staff. Trails are not being used by animals to sleep or nest. Many animals are nocturnal and diurnal and there is the same impact to animal life during the day as at night. Both are separate ecosystems. Animals generally avoid humans when possible both during daylight and night. Recreation is a big part San Luis Obispo culture and city image. It's a quality of life issue for residents. Problems at Bishop Peak are a concern. Previous problems are due to its popularity with people with no respect for neighbors and access by inexperienced hikers. I recommend not opening Bishop peak after hours. All other city open space should be allowed to to be open. Lighting requirements for bicycles and hikers should be enforced. Hikers and bicycles should have lights. This town is a very expensive place to live and now an added cost is having a gym membership just to stay healthy is an unreasonable burden that is being imposed. As a cyclist the trails are a safer place to ride a bicycle at night time. Night time is a safer time to ride on trails for many cyclists as there are more hikers during the daytime. Please approve after-dark use of city open space. Thank you, Brad Buxton 1