Lime Ridge is an Open Space Preserve where the protection and rehabilitation of the natural environment is the priority, not mountain biker thrill rides.
The Walnut Creek Public works department has been working to create multiple “Flow trails” in Lime Ridge without input from the adjacent neighborhoods.
Flow Trails take mountain bikers on a terrain-induced roller coaster experience, with little pedaling and braking necessary. This style of trail typically contains features like banked turns, rolling terrain, various types of jumps, and consistent and predictable surfaces.
Those of us that wish to preserve the Open Space are opposed to these proposed Flow Trails.
There are only a handful of legal flow trails in the Bay Area, and there is a reason for this. The increased liability risk, damage to natural habitats, and community opposition have kept other cities from developing these types of bike trails. These trails attract thrill seekers from far and wide.
The City of Walnut Creek has NOT adequately assessed the liability and risk associated with the proposed Flow Trails, nor have then done any environmental studies on the impact to the natural habitat and wildlife. Additionally, they have not considered the traffic impact to Arbolado Park, Valley Vista Road and other entrances to the proposed trails.
Homes that are near the Open Space already face significant fire risk, the proposed Flow Trails will attract more people which increases the fire danger.
It is unconscionable for the City of Walnut Creek to knowingly increase the risk to homeowners in Walnut Creek and Concord by building a "thrill ride" that will significantly increase the fire risk on our hills. The Flow Trail would also impact the grazing patterns of the cattle that are on the hills to help reduce the fire risk, and will drive away the wildlife that call these hills home.
More people biking on the hills bring more danger and more fire risk. Homeowners abutting Lime Ridge already face high risk of fire originating in the Open Space due to the on-going drought. Flow Trails will only make the situation worse and more dangerous for the adjacent neighborhoods.
