To the editor: I’ll write down in response to the online posting Planet Valenti about the mountain bike races on Tuesday night at Springside Park.
I am almost 80 years old and still an active cyclist and a former participant in this very popular event. I am concerned about the complaints and negative comments about children enjoying their bikes. They all shine while riding and running.
Numerous parents, businesses, and others devote their time and energy to teaching children safe driving and racing skills in a supervised setting. This group has participated in numerous park cleaning days and cleaned garbage from the park on other occasions.
I think mountain biking is an appropriate use of the park. It is wrong to say that bicycles cause the same damage as ATVs and off-road motorcycles. Why would anyone want to prevent children from having a good time? Would you prefer to drive them on the streets?
It’s typical for Pittsfield to complain when someone wants to try something new. Why don’t you ask how we can do better for our children? Didn’t you enjoy riding a bike as a child? Let the cycling races go on and support efforts to expand mountain biking opportunities.
Bill Hart, Dalton
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