Nice work on trying to make the connection between mountain biking and environmental stewardship. I have been a pro biker since I was 18 and in that time I have also done a degree in Environmental Studies at UVic. My love for the environment came as a result of spending so much time in nature on my bike; it gave me respect for the land and a reason to want to preserve its integrity. This really is just a conflict between us and the people who want to walk their dogs without distraction. Mountain biking lends stewardship and any educated decision maker should know that!