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http://www.omniture.com --> Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement Email Story to a Friend May 16, 2006 Tim Smith demonstrates a stunt that he and fellow bike riders would like to practice at the Bear Creek Skate Park. Bike riders risk trespassing citations when inside the skate park fence in Medford, though bikes are welcome at some other Rogue Valley skate parks. (Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli) Cycles of conflict By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Pointing out that freestyle bikes are allowed in most other Rogue Valley skate parks in the region, riders will seek repeal today of the long-standing ban on "trick bikes" at the Bear Creek Skate Park. The item is on the Parks and Recreation Commission agenda for 5:30 p.m. today at City Council chambers in Medford City Hall, as a result of a raft of e-mails to the mayor's office. Feelings tend to run high in the rivalry between skateboarders and bicyclists — and both sides have said they will show up to voice their needs — but city Parks and Recreation Director Brian Sjothun said he "doesn't anticipate any change to the current rules" banning bikes, although if there's enough support it may be up for a study session in the next few months. Skaters, as skateboarders call themselves, strongly oppose the presence of bicyclists at their course in Bear Creek Park, saying that axle pegs on the bikes "thrash" the edges of the park's bowls and other features — and lead to collisions with skaters, said Rita Allred, co-owner of Jack's Board Shop, a major skater outlet. "Skaters don't like them at all," Allred said. "They bicyclists get in their way. There's friction between the groups. Saturday, there were five or six bikes trying to ride there. It's hard for the younger kids and they don't say anything because they don't want a confrontation. "I understand why they bicyclists are upset. They have no place to ride. But I wish they bicyclists would get together and do something for their sport. Skaters have no problem getting organized," she added. Among e-mails to City Hall was one from local bicyclist Brian Meyer asking the commission to allow equal access for bicylists, perhaps by requiring the new plastic-coated "grinding" pegs that don't damage concrete edges. Skaters do lots of grinding on edges and cause just as much damage, he added. Another e-mail, from local bicyclist identified only as "Blaine," said he and many other bicylists donated to the construction of the skate park "but now I have to ride by it" and travel long distances to skate parks in Talent, White City, Ashland or Grants Pass that allow mixed use. These parks, which allow both skaters and bikers, he added, "are not thrashed" by grinding — cruising an edge, with metal against concrete. "Me and my buddies helped get the skate park and we were surprised we weren't allowed in," said biker Jeff Rubin, an employee of Sims Cycle & Fitness in Medford. "It's probably the safety issue, having skates and bikes at the same time, but I've seen parks, like in Grants Pass, set up alternate times for each." Trick bikers are viewed as skaters were a decade ago — as outsiders with attitude who don't have a place to go, are constantly getting run out of areas with concrete structures that they can do their stunts on, and using up police time for trespassing, said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Marie Cabler. "I agree these kids need a place to bike — and we have to gather a lot of information and hear all the points of view," said Cabler. "It's not going to happen right away. No matter what we do, it's going to create a problem for someone." Bikers using the skate park can be cited and fined for trespassing, but some, like Tim Smith of Medford, come anyway — and have tickets and fines to show for it. The city's Web page for the skate park says bikes are forbidden inside the skate park fence and riders are directed to a BMX bike area to the south, though that area is designed for a different type of bike. "I don't like it, being excluded," Smith said. "It's the only place we can ride. We have to go to Talent all the time. Skaters say they built the Medford park. That's pretty stupid. They didn't make it." The skate park took years of effort, fundraising, community organizing and political pressure by dedicated young people and parents and, said Bev Power, customer service specialist with Medford Parks and Recreation, bikers will have to do the same kind of organizing to get what they want. "The commission took years of work by one mom getting everyone going," Power said. "What they bikers lack is a head person, a contact to come up with solutions, raise money and get volunteers." Rubin said he is starting that very task, but notes, "I agree, we lack organization and bikers don't want to wait for things to happen. They ride illegally. As for attitude, both sides bikers and skaters have it. That's not the way to get things done." Commissioner Cabler agreed, noting that the clutch of e-mails from frustrated bikers contained profanities and few last names or phone numbers — some were apparently from out-of-state, prompted by a "blog" online posting about the situation in Medford. "It was pretty rude," said Cabler, speaking of the profanity. "I'm not impressed with that at all." Whether the city opts for mixed use or continues to ban bikers, it is taking big chances, said Sjothun. "Bikes are faster, heavier, cause more damage, and there's more possibility of serious injury," he said. "It's a dangerous recreational activity, and it's a liability no matter what we do." John Darling is a freelance writer living in Ashland. E-mail him at [email protected]. Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers Southern Oregon Loans California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy