🚨 Speak Up for Bike-Specific Trail Access — El Corte de Madera Single-Use Biking/Hiking Trail Project –
Don’t miss this opportunity to advocate for mountain bike access at Midpen parks! On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors will discuss the project scope for the El Corte de Madera Single-Use Biking/Hiking Trail Project. This is a rare chance to shape regional trail access, but we need a unified, strong turnout to show the Board how much this matters to our community. Numbers matter—the more voices they hear from, the stronger our collective impact will be.
Please review full details of the proposal here: Midpen Board Staff Report (R-26-124).
Encouraging Highlights from the Staff Report:
- Biking-Only Evaluated First: Midpen staff explicitly propose evaluating a biking-only trail first before evaluating a hiking-only trail, recognizing that the preserve already offers a hiking-only option to the Tafoni Sandstone Formation.
- Board Policy Change on the Table: Midpen staff recommend creating a special allowance within Board Policy 4.07 (Trail Use Policy) specifically for El Corte de Madera Creek to permit biking-only trails, which current district-wide policy does not allow.
- Commitment to Improving the Riding Experience: Staff options include reimagining existing trails to narrow trail widths, add sustainable trail features, and create single-direction (one-way) downhill routing to enhance flow and reduce speed differentials.
SVMTB Recommendation (What We Are Supporting): SVMTB supports both Option 2 (Reimagine and Improve an Existing Trail) and Option 3 (Construct a New Purpose-Built Trail). When submitting your comments, we encourage community members to support either Option 2, Option 3, or both:
- Option 2: Redesigns existing trail corridors with bike-optimized features, narrowed singletrack widths, and potential one-way directional routing. This offers an upgraded riding experience on a faster, more achievable timeline.
- Option 3: Constructs a brand new, purpose-built trail designed specifically for mountain biking from the ground up, providing the highest quality flow and long-term sustainability.
Whether you prefer a faster timeline with Option 2 or a brand-new purpose-built trail with Option 3, expressing support for these options gives the Board the clear mandate they need to prioritize high-quality bike access.
How to Participate
We strongly urge our community members to get involved right away:
Meeting details are here:
- Attend in person: Join us at 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA.
- Dial in / Join via Zoom: Access the meeting remotely by phone or Zoom using the instructions provided on the official meeting agenda.
- Email your comments beforehand: If you are unable to attend live, submitting written comments prior to the meeting still carries immense weight and directly influences the official record.
How to Submit Email Comments:
- To: Send your email to the staff contacts and Board clerk at
amac@openspace.org,jhart@openspace.org, andinfo@openspace.org. - Subject Line: Use “Public Comment: August 26 Meeting Agenda Item 1 – El Corte de Madera Single-Use Trail Project” to ensure your comment is routed directly to the Board members before the meeting.
- Deadline: Submit your email as early as possible before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Key Talking Points for Mountain Bikers:
- Support Option 2: Ask the Board to select Option 2 so existing trails can be reimagined into bike-optimized, high-quality singletrack with progressive features and potential one-way directional routing.
- Safety & Reduced Trail Conflict: Purpose-built or single-use trails reduce speed differentials and multi-use friction, creating a safer, more harmonious experience for both hikers and riders.
- Support Board Policy Updates: Encourage the Board to update Policy 4.07 to create a special allowance for single-use mountain bike trails at El Corte de Madera Creek.
Community Guidelines for Comments:
- Be Respectful & Constructive: Always maintain a welcoming, civil tone. Thank the Board and Midpen staff for prioritizing this project.
- Share Personal Stories: Briefly share who you are (e.g., local parent, youth mentor, trail user) and why safe, fun mountain bike access matters to your family.
- Focus on Shared Values: Emphasize community health, outdoor connection for youth, and safe coexistence on public lands.
Visit our Public Meetings Guide for comment guidelines.
