Over the past decades the public has invested millions of dollars to create 62,000 acres of preserves in the region encompassing the peninsula, south bay, and west to the pacific coast. Much time has passed and much land has been purchased, that same public now expects to be able to access those lands for legitimate outdoor use, and rightfully so. In addition a further 300 million dollars has been provided by the public to bring that effort into the future. Much of that funding has been promised in the effort to increase public access and for all user groups. It is time to follow through on that promise.
Land managers often bring the issue of "user conflict" into discussions when mentioning access to public lands. However when one talks to the users or to those who are directly in charge of working with them on the lands, there is little if any evidence of such conflicts. These conflicts seem only to be perceived. The vast majority of users out on the trail are courteous, knowledgeable and open minded to others. The most likely conflict is the one we all risk on our way to the open space, not after we arrive. Trying to create separate but equal, or more likely unequal access scenarios, by contriving restricted uses and trail systems, is the very source of conflict itself. It creates resentment and disenchantment by the public. This also contributes to a situation present in our own open space district, where much of the public views it as unresponsive to its thoughts and therefore gives it poor public opinion and lack of support. This cannot be allowed to happen. The land is for the public and ultimately they decide how it should be used.
Open space trail systems should be developed and open by default for all user groups, and simultaneously, hikers, bikers, equestrian, dog owners, those needing physical assistance, under-served populations and more. Only when specific and evidence based need for segregation is presented and in rare circumstance should we attempt to restrict access to any person or user group.
This type of effort will put open space in a positive view for larger groups of the public, draw larger numbers of users to the preserve and provide the type of experience that everyone would be proud of. This is a potential gain for all, but it has not been a given.
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