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27 <br /> Providing high quality user experiences <br /> Need to: <br /> • Reduce user conflicts <br /> • Cater to specific user preferences <br /> • Provide a variety of experiences <br /> User Conflicts <br /> • Hiker/Equestrian users vs. Mountain-bike users <br /> • Perceptions of greater environmental impact <br /> • Perceptions of safety hazard -- speed <br /> • Perceptions that mountain biking is inappropriate in the environment <br /> • New, mechanized <br /> • Bright clothing <br /> Mountain-bike user complaints <br /> ■ Hikers are too possessive of trails—threaten trail closure <br /> ♦ To reduce conflicts: <br /> ♦ Some recommend separate trails <br /> ♦ Others suggest that separate trails might cause resentment, are difficult to enforce, <br /> and limit opportunities for communications between user groups <br /> ♦ Host joint events <br /> ♦ Volunteer patrols <br /> User Preferences <br /> Hikers <br /> ♦ Prefer loops <br /> ♦ 1 to 3 mile long trails (30 min. to 2 hr. hikes) <br /> Mountain-bikers <br /> ♦ 3 to 5 mile loop minimum <br /> ♦ 10 to 30 miles desirable <br /> ♦ Prefer natural settings and forested areas <br /> ♦ Less experienced riders prefer relatively wide and well-graded trails <br /> ♦ Intermediate/Experienced riders <br /> ♦ Want challenging physical and technical riding <br /> ♦ Prefer narrow, "single-track" trails <br /> Equestrians <br /> ♦ Loop trails between 7 and 10 miles <br /> ♦ Trails over 20 miles preferred by experienced riders <br /> ♦ Short stretches (1/2 mile) of straight alignment to run horses <br /> ♦ Adequate car/trailer parking facilities <br /> Provide Variety of Experiences <br /> ♦ Vary trail alignments <br /> ♦ Avoid"sameness" <br /> ♦ Take advantage of natural features —maximize scenic beauty <br /> G-3 <br />