San Rafael, Calif. — In a significant ruling, a Marin County judge has intervened to halt the Marin Municipal Water District’s plans to increase bike access in the Mount Tamalpais watershed, a move that stemmed from concerns highlighted by a coalition of environmental groups. The court order, issued on Tuesday, prevents the initiation of two experimental programs intended to allow bicycles on 7 miles of trails and to introduce pedal-assisted electric bikes.
This judicial decision follows a temporary restraining order from two months prior, which has now been extended through the duration of the lawsuit. The tentative judgment last month by Judge Andrew Sweet had already suggested a leaning towards the injunction, reflecting the ongoing legal challenges the pilot initiatives faced.
The Marin Municipal Water District had argued that these trials, which were scheduled to begin in October and last two years, were aimed at adapting the stewardship of watershed lands to evolving recreational patterns. Despite considerable public input over the years, the proposed changes faced a legal setback, which officials noted as regrettable but indicated their intent to continue seeking a resolution and updating the community.
Currently, the access rules for the mountain remain unchanged with traditional, non-motorized bikes limited to fire roads, and the prohibition of e-bikes remains in effect on district property.
The controversy over bike access has been a contentious issue for over three decades. The now-blocked pilot programs had aimed to enhance cyclist experiences but faced opposition due to potential safety risks and environmental damage.
The lawsuit, initiated on September 26 by groups including the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, the Marin Audubon Society, and the Marin Conservation League, argued that the district did not adequately assess the environmental impact of the increased bike traffic under the California Environmental Quality Act. The plaintiffs highlighted concerns about the disturbance to habitats home to rare plant species, Northern spotted owls, and various species of bats.
Disagreeing with the claims of inadequate review, the water district cited an exemption under the existing facilities clause of the California Environmental Quality Act. They argued that illegal bike usage was already occurring and that biking was similar to existing trail uses like hiking and horseback riding. However, Judge Sweet’s ruling pointed out the lack of evidence of illegal biking on the specific trails in question and noted that increased traffic could harm the sensitive environment.
Further, Sweet concluded that the water district’s stance on exemptions from environmental review was not backed by substantial evidence and declared that the two programs could not be evaluated separately.
Supporters of the injunction, like David Long, co-president of the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, applauded the decision as a necessary step for environmental oversight. Critics, however, represented by figures such as Vernon Huffman of the Access4Bikes Foundation and Krista Hoff of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, expressed disappointment, framing the lawsuit as an obstruction to recreational progress and inclusivity.
Despite the setback, bicycle advocacy groups remain hopeful for a future resolution that aligns with both environmental stewardship and recreational access.
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