Those of us that wish to protect the Open Space are adamantly opposed to these Flow Trails. 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. There are no legal flow trails in
the East Bay Area, and there is a reason for that. The increased liability risk, damage to habitat, fire risk 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 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. There is enough space within Lime Ridge to create Bike specific paths that would not bring undue risks to homes, habitats and wildlife, and would balance the needs of hikers, bikers and equestrian users. The Proposed Flow Trails are not the right solution.
