Sources of Conflict Between Hikers and Mountain Bike Riders in the Rattlesnake NRA

Abstract

Mountain bike riders and hikers in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area were studied to assess the extent of conflict between the two groups and to search for underlying reasons. Mountain bike riders tend to perceive bicyclists and hikers as more similar than hikers do. Actually, they do differ in attitudes they hold abOut the area and reasons for visiting it, though they do not commonly perceive these differences. However, the groups tend to not differ in areas they believe themselves to be different. Nearly two-thirds of the hikers feel that the mountain bikes are objectionable, but respondents have difficulty specifying behavior that reduces their enjoyment. Educating mountain bike riders about behavior that others consider unacceptable and educating hikers about the similarities between hikers and mountain bike riders may reduce feelings of conflict. More direct management approaches must also be considered.