IPR's Peter Payette talks Glen Ruczynski with the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association, who says he thinks the problems on the Vasa have been overblown. He also talks about bikers' hopes to build a separate trail.
Fat-tire bikes have become a popular winter sport, but they’re not too popular on the Vasa Pathway. The bicycles are a new trend. They’re designed for use on packed snow.
Some skiers would like to ban them from the trail near Traverse City. Pete LaPlaca is board president of the North American Vasa Ski Race. He says there are safety concerns.
"Our trails are only 11 to 12 feet wide, which makes it difficult for passing or sharing the trails," he says. "Most of the trail systems are 20 feet or more in width and there’s much more room for passing."
The trail is on state land. And the Department of Natural Resources is asking for public comments.