(Re: “Duthie Hill Park a mecca for mountain bikers,” The Reporter, April 9)

Mountain bikers have never been kicked out of anywhere. Only bikes are banned. They are free to go wherever they like — without their bikes, of course.

Bicycles should not be allowed in any natural area. They are inanimate objects and have no rights. There is also no right to mountain bike. That was settled in federal court in 1994.

It’s dishonest of mountain bikers to say that they don’t have access to trails closed to bikes. They have the same access as everyone else — on foot. Why isn’t that good enough for mountain bikers? They are all capable of walking.

A favorite myth of mountain bikers is that mountain biking is no more harmful to wildlife, people, and the environment than hiking, and that science supports that view.

Of the seven studies they cited, all were written by mountain bikers, and in every case the authors misinterpreted their data, to come to the conclusion that they favored.

Mountain biking accelerates erosion, creates V-shaped ruts, kills small animals and plants on and next to the trail, drives wildlife and other trail users out of the area. Worst of all, it teaches kids that the rough treatment of nature is okay (it’s not). What’s good about that?

Mike Vandeman

San Ramon, CA