Mountain biker rejects calls for Odell Park restrictions

Mike Davis says mountain bikes are not damaging Fredericton's Odell Park.

Davis, who has biked in the park for 30 years, says there's been very little damage to trails in that time.

"It amazes me today," said Davis. "Thirty years on ... and they're still fantastic. They're still great." 

Davis is reacting to calls for stricter rules about what is allowed to take place in the city park.

Recent plans to expand disc golf in the 800-acre park has lead to any outcry from other park users and brought calls from the head of the Fredericton Nature Club for a park master plan.

But Davis, who owns Radical Edge, a retailer that sells mountain bikes,  doesn't see any need to expand the existing network of mountain bike trails.

'I don't think we need to vilify the sport'.- Mike Davis

"I'm not for creating lots of mountain bike trails in Odell," said Davis. "What's there is fine ... I don't think we need to vilify the sport for damaging the park whatsoever."

Davis dismisses suggestions mountain bikes should be restricted to the regular gravel trails, saying that would only lead to conflict, especially with people walking dogs.

Davis lives near the park and uses it with his family to walk, run, and cross country ski along with mountain biking.

"We all care about this park," said Davis, "I care about immensely about it."