Marin Readers Debate E-Bikes on Mt. Tam Trails

Partisan divides on key issues like immigration and democracy also highlighted

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:56pm

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A tranquil oil painting depicting a winding mountain trail through a dense forest, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a sense of solitude and contemplation, conceptually representing the debate over the use of e-bikes in the area.A serene mountain trail in Marin County serves as the backdrop for a debate over the environmental impact of motorized e-bikes.San Rafael Today

A Fairfax resident argues that motorized e-bikes should not be allowed on the trails of Mount Tamalpais, citing historical damage from gas-powered dirt bikes and concerns about the environmental impact of the bikes. Meanwhile, a San Rafael resident endorses Mark Galperin's campaign for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat, citing Galperin's background and qualifications. The letter also discusses the significant partisan divides in California politics revealed by recent polling data.

Why it matters

The debate over e-bikes on Mt. Tam trails reflects ongoing tensions between different user groups seeking to access the area's natural resources. The partisan divides highlighted in the letter also illustrate the challenges in finding common ground and compromise solutions on major political issues.

The details

The Fairfax resident argues that many bikers claim to be 'good stewards' of the trails, yet continue to erode Mount Tamalpais' trails with 'knobby-tired, road-fast capable e-bikes.' The resident cites historical damage from gas-powered dirt bikes in the 1970s as a cautionary tale. The San Rafael resident endorses Mark Galperin's campaign for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat, citing Galperin's background in science, business, and as a family man. The letter also discusses recent polling data showing significant partisan divides in California on issues like immigration and democracy.

  • The letter was published on April 11, 2026.
  • The Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1 election is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Noël Robertson

A Fairfax resident of nearly 60 years who is concerned about the environmental impact of motorized e-bikes on the trails of Mount Tamalpais.

Mark Galperin

A candidate for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat, described as a mathematician, businessman, and family man with a background in Ukraine.

Luben Stoilov

A San Rafael resident who is endorsing Mark Galperin's candidacy for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1 seat.

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What they’re saying

“I think that dilemma was seemingly resolved in the early 1970s when gas-powered dirt bikes scarring the trails were banned. Today's thrill-seeking e-bikers appear to feel entitled to full access to ecologically vulnerable areas of the watershed that others have to make a physical effort to enjoy.”

— Noël Robertson, Fairfax resident

“I am confident that Galperin would do excellent and productive work as a Marin supervisor. I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy.”

— Luben Stoilov, San Rafael resident

What’s next

The Marin County Board of Supervisors District 1 election is scheduled for June 2026, and the outcome will determine who will represent that district on the county board.

The takeaway

The debate over e-bikes on Mount Tamalpais trails highlights the ongoing tensions between different user groups seeking access to the area's natural resources. The partisan divides revealed in the polling data also illustrate the challenges in finding common ground and compromise solutions on major political issues in California.