Why is riding bikes on dirt trails illegal along the American River Parkway?
A. The American River Parkway is governed by the city and county of Sacramento under a Parkway Plan, which was adopted in 1985. The American River Parkway Plan contains specific language restricting bicycles to designated bikeways, roadways and parking lots. It also states that off-road vehicle courses, including off-road bicycle courses are incompatible with the Parkway and shall be prohibited. Q. What were the circumstances in 1985 leading to this? A. Back then, mountain biking was in its infancy as an adult sport. Unregulated BMX tracks along the Parkway appeared unsightly and environmentally damaging. The Parkway Plan specifically directs the removal of BMX tracks at Mullaney Grove and at Rossmoor Bar. The small group of riders who did stick up for their sport were trumped by larger, wealthier and more politically connected user groups. Q. What else is banned in the Parkway? A. Hunting, target shooting, model rockets, league sports, skim boards, hang gliding and dog training, to na
