Kern River Valley Bulletin Board

I attended a public meeting with the Bakersfield BLM officials asking for input on future management of the areas they are in charge of. The majority of the problems addressed centered around Keyesville, and the poor judgement of quad runner riders. Ten years ago the BLM saw Keyesville as having two main recreational activities - looking for gold and mountain biking. Now motorcycle and quad runner riding have become a third main activity, and the complaints flew fast and furious about the quad runners. The complaints included making their own trails, making trails bigger, ignoring other vehicles driving on the roads, ignoring horses, ignoring mountain bikers, and overuse. The BLM officials noted they had already been receiving a large number of similar complaints, along with trash illegally being dumped (come on people, the dump is a few miles away and it's free!) and target practice, which is illegal there. You people who use Keyesville better start putting some peer pressure on the people causing these problems, or you'll quickly find your selves unable to ride there.

I primarily use the Keyesville area for mountain biking but recently bought a new dirt bike that I plan to adventure around the area with as well. I have riden the area on my bicycle for the past seven years and never ran into any problems with motorcycle riders or quad riders. This past year I have ran intop more motorcycle riders up around Sherman Peak than I have at Keyesville.

Riding my mountain bike I have seen evidence of quads trying to ride in non-allowed trails. I would say the area is not suited for quad riders- Mostly single track with the acception of Pearl Harbor Drive and maybe a couple more roads.

Anyways- It starts with us locals to educate people that come up to ride our mountains. I sure do. There is nothing wrong with heping visitors find trails best suited for their uses. If we don't say anything they will ride where they park. You know?

I agree with both views about what's being said here, and wish to expand on both. Responsible use means giving all other people adaquate consideration. The pilot of any motor vehicle (yes, that means quads, too) has not only the legal but also ethical responsibility to yield right of way to pedestrians, dogs, wildlife, bicyclists, and horses. And that goes double up or down blind hills.

If we are to advocate continued freedom to use these trails for everyone, no one group should be allowed to monopolize them, or put others or the earth in jeopardy.

Parents are especially obligated to educate their children and teens about responsible use. It's not just about them getting hurt, but what about the other person?

What legacy will they leave behind? Shotgun shells and trash aren't appropriate for everyone, so carry out your own trash. If you act responsibly, it won't be up to someone else to tell you what you can and cannot do.