[ft-l] Backpacker website poll

[drohe at fs.fed.us (David L Rohe)]

It is not about the ability to co-exist.  That is possible, as has been
shown on multi use trails.  It is about the specified designation of any
particular trail.  36 years ago, the FT mission was started and continues
to be a footpath the length of the state of Florida.  The definition of the
Florida Trail is footpath.  The people who build and maintain the trail do
so to complete this footpath specific mission.  There is nothing wrong with
mountain biking, nor is there anything wrong with biking the length of the
state.  But, if a person wants to do that, they need to follow the example
of the FTA, not the same exact footpath.  Start a biking organization,
recruit volunteer members, pay dues, work with land managers to build a
trail that is designated as the Florida Biking Trail, a bike path the
length of the state of Florida.  Do not come in after someone else has put
in the money, time, and sweat; look at them and say thanks, I'm going to
ignore the signs, the stated purpose of this trail, and do whatever I darn
well please.  The greatest things in life require sacrifice.  The people
who build and maintain "Florida's Footpath Forever" (the Florida Trail's
official motto), have sacrificed.  If anyone likes to bike, then sacrifice
the time and effort required to build something great.  I would support a
Florida Biking Trail, I would support efforts necessary to see it done, but
not at the expense of others efforts to build a footpath, called the
Florida Trail.
Hatter