BUILD.RIDE.PROTECT

Regional Advocacy Issues

Trail Access - Fantasy Island and Honeybee Canyon

Portions of the Fantasy Island and Honeybee Canyon trail networks are located on lands owned by the Arizona State Land Department. The intent for these lands to be sold to raise money for the state department of education. The department does not currently recognize trails-based recreation as a viable use for these lands despite acknowledging that trails-based recreation currently occurs on them. SDMB is working with local elected officials (Pima Co, City of Tucson, Town of Oro Valley) to preserve these trail networks when and if developments are proposed. Additionally, SDMB is working with developers (e.g. Mattamy Homes at Fantasy Island) to close or re-route and re-sign trails as needed when development does occur.

Trail User Etiquette 

SDMB is aware that as both the popularity of trails-based recreation and access to trails increase, the potential for user conflict also increases. It is imperative that all mountain bikers follow proper trail etiquette, by yielding to all other users (and riding slow enough to do so) and uphill riders. SDMB has completed three years of it's Be Cool outreach campaign (more information HERE), which involves trailhead outreach during the high winter riding season (October-April). Feedback from trail users has been overwhelmingly positive, with hikers and equestrians saying commenting that mountain bikers have become increasingly courteous while on trail. SDMB expects to expand Be Cool outreach efforts in the years to come.