Common Misconceptions
“A bike park is at odds with conservation and stewardship.” FALSE
This is a low-impact development that will give people (young, old, able-bodied, and not able-bodied) an opportunity to connect with the land in a new, safe, and fun way, teaching the value of stewardship and preservation through recreation. Significant portions of parks such as Valmont and Erie Singletrack, for example, are native grasses and otherwise natural landscape.
“You need an expensive bike to enjoy a bike park.” FALSE
At bike parks it is common to see kids & adults riding bikes of all types. If it looks like a bike or a unicycle, wheelchair or otherwise, it's fun ahead at the bike park. These parks are accessible to all. We also know that if someone doesn't have a bike and wants to participate, that our community will step in to help, and we hope to establish formal systems for this function, which could even include a bike library.
“We already have a bike park at Spring Canyon Park.” FALSE
While we are grateful for the compact, community-built skills area at Spring Canyon Park, it is does not offer the space, progression, elevation change or features to maintain the interest or needs of the spectrum of riders in our large community, including the youngest and most beginner. Just ask them!
“Bike parks are loud/bright." FALSE
Travel to any bike park and you will find the noise level to be far less than even a little league game. Most bike parks also close at dusk so there are no bright lights.
“Bike parks only serve a small group of people.” FALSE
A well designed bike park not only has different features for all types of bikes (mountain, BMX, downhill, dirt jump, cyclocross, road, unicycle, adaptive, wheelchair, etc.) but it also has features for different skill levels. So it doesn't matter if you're a seasoned professional or it's your first time, there will be something for you to ride.