A proposed mountain bike trail in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park has divided neighbors, park advocates and environmental watchdogs for more than three years. A draft environmental impact report is expected this fall, setting up a decision on whether the East Bay Regional Park District’s most contested trail project in years will move forward.
The proposal calls for a 1.4-mile downhill-only trail that would run alongside the existing Mezue fire road. Berms, rollers and turns would be used to control riders’ speed. The trail is designed for beginner and intermediate riders, with an average grade not exceeding 5 to 8 percent.
Opponents say the trail doesn’t belong in a natural area. Supporters, including the youth mountain bike teams the trail is intended to serve, say it would help address overcrowding on trails they already use…