Right Way to Use the Mountains

I belong to an organization that could save Al Martinez (Sept. 14) a lot of trouble.

COBRA (Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Assn.) is dedicated to safe and appropriate use of mountain bicycles in shared-use recreational areas. At present, most of the Santa Monica Mountains restrict mountain bikes to fire roads only. We are not allowed on the single track trails.

The bicyclist Martinez encountered was wrong if on a trail, but was in the right place if on a fire road. The bicyclist should not have been speeding and should have been anticipating the possibility of a hiker, equestrian or another bicyclist around the blind corner. Martinez and all other uphill users should also anticipate oncoming others.

The Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area is surrounded by 8 million people. “Quiet strolls” are one, but not the only, use of the parks. Pedaling up and gliding down the fire roads is a magnificent recreational experience. Bicyclists are a legitimate user group. We’re all in this together.

Martinez’ second mistake was “shouting an obscenity.” He says it’s the way his “people express displeasure.” A lot of people express displeasure that way and they should all realize by now that, while cathartic, it doesn’t do much to improve the situation. The reciprocal cursing of the bicyclist demonstrates that.

By this point in Martinez’ narrative, we have two fallen, scared, angry men yelling at each other. Consider the alternative--the bicyclist under control, both rider and hiker anticipating the other at the corner, a safe passing, maybe a greeting--two people finding refuge in their own ways from the accumulating “absurdities of the world.”

JIM HASENAUER

Van Nuys