Betsy Crowder for MROSD

After being initially appointed as a trustee to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District in 1989, Betsy Crowder is now seeking her third full term representing the Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside area. Crowder, a longtime environmentalist and a strong advocate for passive use of the district's lands, has drawn opposition from two challengers critical of her bias against bicyclists, equestrians and golfers.

Berry Stevens is an avid bicyclist and is worried that, if Crowder gets her way, fewer district trails will be open to cyclists and equestrians. He has argued that with proper education, bikers can share the trails with hikers without problems. And, he says, there are actually more bikers on current multiple-use trails than hikers.

Candidate Jack Hickey is a Libertarian who advocates using district lands for revenue-generating purposes, including golf courses. He opposes use of eminent domain powers and believes district policies are too oriented toward discouraging public access and use.

We think the open space district has done an outstanding job at trying to accommodate all kinds of users. Some 80 percent of district trails are open to bikers and equestrians. But the issue of shared use is real, and there is pressure by hikers to increase the number of restricted trails because of trail damage and inconsiderate riders.

We encourage Crowder, who admits her support for fewer multi-use trails, to seek creative and flexible solutions responsive to cyclists and equestrians. The long-term success of the district depends on the multi-use concept, allowing as many residents of the region as possible to enjoy the beauty of the district's lands.