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[seamonkey]

There's a new bill in Missouri to allow motorized use of the KATY trail.... and has very little push back to date from those that can make this into a law!

 

Full details below from Missouri Bicycle Federation and the full link below

 

http://mobikefed.org...ct-your-represe

 

 

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A bill to allow ATVs and golf carts on the Katy Trail on certain days of the month has been proposed by Rep. Jay Houghton of Martinsburg.  (Houghton is the same representative who has proposed requiring bicyclists to use a 15-foot tall flag.) The bill is HB 2047.

Do we want ATVs on Missouri's Katy Trail?

The bill had a hearing in committee Monday.  The Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation was the only organization represented at the hearing in opposition to the bill.  Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the bill at the hearing.  The committee is likely to vote the bill out of committee next Monday, February 15th.

It is time for Katy Trail supporters to speak up.  Allowing motor vehicles, like ATVs and golf carts, on the trail is a very bad idea.

What you can do: Contact your Missouri State Representative

Here is what you can do:

• Contact your own representative in the Missouri House of Representatives (look up here using your street address or here using your zip code).  On the message to your own representative, please:
  • CC: Sonya.Anderson@house.mo.gov  - Chair of the Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, which will vote on this bill next week
  • CC: Bill.Reiboldt@house.mo.gov - Chair of the Select Committee on Agriculture, where the bill will go next
  • CC: Jay.Houghton@house.mo.gov - sponsor of the bill
  • CC: director@mobikefed.org - so that we know your representative has been contacted
  • All email addresses for the CC: line (copy & paste): Sonya.Anderson@house.mo.gov, Bill.Reiboldt@house.mo.gov, Jay.Houghton@house.mo.gov, director@mobikefed.org
• A phone call is best - email next best - letter or fax also good
   
• PLEASE be polite and persuasive when you write or call
   
• Sample email message (PLEASE personalize):

Subject: I oppose HB 2047 - Please don't allow motorized vehicles on the Katy Trail

Do we want ATVs on Missouri's Katy Trail?

Dear Representative,

I am writing today to ask you to oppose HB 2047, which would allow motorized vehicles on the Katy Trail.

[Briefly tell why the Katy Trail is important to you and why you oppose allowing ATVs and golf carts on the trail--see some reasons below.  A personal message is best.]

[Explain that you live in the Representative's District, tell where you live or any connection you have with the Representative.]

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Your contact information

[rmo55c]

If you have not yet done this, DO IT NOW.  This isn't just about letting seniors on the trail for a day or two a month (which would cause enough issues on it's own).  It's potentially opening a can of worms that will allow for many other types of trail users on the trail.  Make sure that you not only do this but that you make others around you aware of how easy it is to simply send in an email discussing your concerns.  Some of the concerns are:

 

- trail damage due to use on poor weather days or when the trail is too soft/trail will not sustain the weight of these vehicles and will require more maintenance (cost issues)

- trail is not wide enough to accomodate these vehicles in its current state

- the state generates tens of millions in tourism revenue from this and that will decrease (people don't want to spends weeks on a nature trail dealing with this)

- once you open it up to this user group, other groups will potentially abuse the privilege

- pollution in the form of environmental pollution and noise pollution on a nature trail

- will take away the beauty and serenity of the trail

- the trail is already too heavily used (especially in more heavily populated areas) to allow for safe use

- not enough parks department employees to patrol and enforce these rules (at least with bikes, maximum speeds are maintained through leg power - who will keep these ATV's at 15?)

- will drive wildlife away from the trail

- will need massive re-structuring of gates and entry points to the trail to fit these vehicles (cost issues)