Action Alert: Advocate for Mountain Bike Trails at Skeggs

UPDATE: MidPen Board Approves Furthur Study of Option 2

At the special board meeting on August 26, 2026, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors approved the staff recommendation to confirm the project scope and planning process for the El Corte de Madera Creek Single-Use Biking/Hiking Trail Project.

Following strong turnout and advocacy from local trail organizations like the Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers (SVMTB) the vote clears the path for the following milestones:

• Further Study of Option 2: Midpen Board expressed support for Option 2 (reimagining existing corridors into bike-optimized singletrack).
• Policy Amendments Underway: Additionally, staff will begin drafting a unique exception to Board Policy 4.07 (Trail Use Policy) to officially authorize single-use, biking-only trails within El Corte de Madera Creek, which traditional blanket district policy previously barred.

What Happens Next?

With the scope officially locked in by the board, Midpen staff will launch an extensive environmental review and initiate broader community outreach phases to refine the final blueprint before breaking ground.

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Speak Up for Bike-Specific Trail Access at El Corte de Madera Creek

Attention Bay Area Cyclists! Coalition member Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers, shared this important update. Don’t miss this opportunity to support mountain bike trails at Skeggs / El Corte de Madera Creek! On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors meets. They will discuss the El Corte de Madera Single-Use Trail Project. This is a rare chance to shape regional trail networks. Therefore, we need a strong turnout. The Board needs to see how much this matters to our community. Ultimately, more voices create a stronger collective impact.

Mountain Bike Trails at Skeggs

Please review the full Midpen Board Staff Report (R-26-124). The report includes several encouraging highlights. First, staff propose evaluating a biking-only trail before a hiking-only trail. Currently, the preserve already offers a hiking-only option. Furthermore, staff recommend updating Board Policy 4.07. This change would permit biking-only trails at El Corte de Madera Creek. And finally, MidPen staff want to improve the riding experience at Skeggs. They suggest narrowing trail widths and adding sustainable features. They also propose one-way downhill routing for better flow.

The Staff Report include 3 options, which may .

1. Option 1: Redesignate the Use(s) of an Existing Trail with Minimal Improvements (MIDPEN STAFF RECOMMENDED
2. Option 2: Reimagine and Improve an Existing Trail (MIDPEN STAFF RECOMMENDED)
3. Option 3: Construct a New Trail for the Designated Uses

SVMTB Recommendation (What We Are Supporting):

SVMTB Recommendation (What We Are Supporting): SVMTB supports both Option 2 (Reimagine and Improve an Existing Trail) and Option 3 (Construct a New Purpose-Built Trail). When submitting your comments, we encourage community members to support either Option 2, Option 3, or both:

• Option 2: Redesigns existing trail corridors with bike-optimized features, narrowed singletrack widths, and potential one-way directional routing. This offers an upgraded riding experience on a faster, more achievable timeline.
• Option 3: Constructs a brand new, purpose-built trail designed specifically for mountain biking from the ground up, providing the highest quality flow and long-term sustainability.

Whether you prefer a faster timeline with Option 2 or a brand-new purpose-built trail with Option 3, expressing support for these options gives the Board the clear mandate they need to prioritize high-quality bike access.

How to Participate

We strongly urge the cycling and trails community who utilize this open space to get involved right away:

Meeting details are here:

1. Attend in person: Join us at 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA.
2. Dial in / Join via Zoom: Access the meeting remotely by phone or Zoom using the instructions provided on the official meeting agenda.
3. Email your comments beforehand: If you are unable to attend live, submitting written comments prior to the meeting still carries immense weight and directly influences the official record.

How to Submit Email Comments:

• To: Send your email to the staff contacts and Board clerk at amac@openspace.org, jhart@openspace.org, and info@openspace.org.
• Subject Line: Use “Public Comment: August 26 Meeting Agenda Item 1 – El Corte de Madera Single-Use Trail Project” to ensure your comment is routed directly to the Board members before the meeting.
• Deadline: Submit your email as early as possible before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Key Talking Points for Mountain Bike Trails at Skeggs:

• Support Option 2, Option 3, or Both 2 & 3: Ask the Board to support these options so that existing trails can be reimagined into bike-optimized, high-quality singletrack with progressive features and potential one-way directional routing.
• Safety & Reduced Trail Conflict: Purpose-built or single-use trails reduce speed differentials and multi-use friction, creating a safer, more harmonious experience for both hikers and riders.
• Support Board Policy Updates: Encourage the Board to update Policy 4.07 to create a special allowance for single-use mountain bike trails at El Corte de Madera Creek.

Community Guidelines for Comments:

• Be Respectful & Constructive: Always maintain a welcoming, civil tone. Thank the Board and Midpen staff for prioritizing this project.
• Share Personal Stories: Briefly share who you are (e.g., local parent, youth mentor, trail user) and why safe, fun mountain bike access matters to your family.
• Focus on Shared Values: Emphasize community health, outdoor connection for youth, and safe coexistence on public lands.

Visit our Public Meetings Guide for comment guidelines.