We are calling on our community and local government to take action in Mueller Park Canyon by designating one trail as family-friendly and bike-free. Our request, supported by a recent petition, arises from a pressing need to ensure the safety and accessibility of outdoor spaces for families, hikers, and dog-walkers. We recently wrote a letter to the Bountiful City Council and Trail Committee. Here are a few points we made in our letter. You can sign the petition and see the letter at https://www.change.org/JustOneTrail.

Why this matters

• Safety concerns and family displacement:

Research consistently shows that increased mountain biking activity leads to a decrease in family use of shared trails. Families feel unsafe due to the speed and unpredictability of bikers, often choosing to avoid these areas altogether. Many residents have shared personal experiences of conflicts on the trails or have stopped visiting Mueller Park Canyon because of these concerns.

• Supporting the majority of users:

Data demonstrates that hikers and families represent a far larger portion of our community than mountain bikers. Nationally, hikers make up over 16% of the population, compared to less than 3% for bikers. Locally, hikers are estimated to be 20-30% of Bountiful’s population, while bikers are only 5-8%. Families with children under 18 make up 42-47% of our households. In contrast, mountain biking is predominantly a sport for white males aged 20-45, comprising about 80-86% of participants.

• Trail management solutions:

Communities across the country have successfully implemented trail management strategies to protect vulnerable groups. For example, Millcreek Canyon designates bike-free trails and restricts biking access to alternating days. These proven practices ensure that families, children, and pedestrians have safe spaces to enjoy the outdoors without conflicts.

Hikers are growing faster than bikers

According to U.S. Forest Service data, the number of hikers is increasing at a significantly higher rate than bikers. Over a three-year period, hikers grew by 3%, compared to just 0.1% growth for bikers. This trend underscores the importance of planning for future needs and protecting family-friendly spaces now.

A call to prioritize families and hikers

The growing influx of bikers from outside the area further complicates trail-sharing dynamics, as non-local users often outnumber residents. To maintain Mueller Park Canyon as a safe, inclusive, and accessible space, it is critical to prioritize the needs of families and hikers.

We urge Bountiful City and the trail committee to designate one trail near the canyon entrance as family-friendly and bike-free. This would ensure equitable access, protect community interests, and provide families with a safe place to create lasting memories in nature.

Join us in supporting this effort by signing the petition and voicing your support for our community’s families and hikers. Together, we can make Mueller Park Canyon a space that reflects the needs and values of all its residents.

Dr. Angie Holzer, Maria Givler, Aubrey Guynn and more... https://www.change.org/JustOneTrail