Letter: Riding through the park harms no one

Wild Park in Brighton has been used by mountain bikers for more than ten years. To suggest destroying their trails because of the complaints of one resident is extremely unfair.

Bikers have removed the litter and broken glass and built trails which follow the natural lines of a steep slope which is largely unsuitable for walkers.

Trails are built to minimise erosion using natural sustainable materials. There is no conflict of use.

In the winter trail-building and repairs are made to where we ride. It would be unusual to see walkers taking such good care of the paths they use.

Mountain biking is an environmentally-friendly, healthy sport and something we should be encouraging, not discriminating against.

Mountain biking supports local businesses, with three bike shops in Brighton and Hove relying on a thriving biking scene.

It gives kids something productive to do rather than the alternatives of boredom, vandalism, drugs and anti-social behaviour.

Riders in Wild Park have been polite and respectful.

I spoke to the police when they came to inspect the trails. We have also patiently explained our position to the one disgruntled resident, who has only recently started walking there.

No footpaths have been blocked. The disputed trails were originally made by mountain bikers.

There is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy living in this city. There are plenty of other places to walk in the park on public paths with no bikes.

It seems a pity the vocal few want to deny the youth their fun.

Perhaps next we can petition to pull down the skate ramps and close the rollerblade lanes on the seafront?

Or the council could take notice and work with mountain bikers to provide more places for them to ride.

Taxpayers' money being spent to destroy this trail is a scandal. Suggesting the police patrol the park is a waste of their valuable time.

We will keep riding our bikes in the woods. It isn't hurting anyone.

-Peter Grey, Brighton