Boulder County cools on alternating trail access pilot

Boulder County commissioners signaled they're unlikely to pursue a pilot that would alternate trail access among hikers, bikers and equestrians this season.

Why it matters: Two of the three commissioners favor education and trail management over restricting access, which was extremely unpopular in community polls.

The latest: Commissioners reviewed three staff proposals, including weekday hiker- and biker-only access at Heil Valley and Hall Ranch and rotating one-way trail designations on select trails.

Staff's preferred option dropped alternating use entirely in favor of rotating one-way trail designations at Wild Turkey and Ponderosa.

Friction point: Mountain bikers strongly reject alternating use, saying it would disproportionately punish riders, who already have fewer trails and a shorter riding season.

Many residents also argue that trail conflicts remain relatively rare and can be solved using less drastic measures.

What they're saying: Commissioners Ashley Stolzmann and Marta Loachamin did not back any pilot, though Loachamin briefly considered directional trails.

Loachamin, who said she's new to hiking in Boulder County, questioned whether there's enough evidence of a problem. "What are we trying to solve? ... I just haven't experienced it."

The other side: Commissioner Claire Levy was the lone supporter of testing alternating use, saying she worried there's a perception that "one user group has dominated" certain trails and areas.

"If we want to try something out, we ought to try something that might be a little more impactful," Levy said.

What we're watching: No vote was taken, but staff said Tuesday's discussion pointed toward focusing on education, signage and trail management instead of launching an alternating-use pilot.

Wendy Sweet, executive director of the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance, said she would be open to further directional loop discussions where they made sense.

""Generally, most people go the same way," Sweet said.