BY MIKE LINDBERG

During my 24 years working for the city and its citizens, I hiked Forest Park for exercise. It was also my refuge for quiet and contemplation.

As Parks Commissioner for many years, I was able to protect and even expand Forest Park. Despite budget cuts nearly every year due to Ballot Measure 5 and a recession, we worked to keep this sacred place ecologically healthy. Once I left the council, I became involved with Friends of Forest Park and assisted with the 60th anniversary of the park as well as the group's transition to the Forest Park Conservancy.

Little did I know that proposals to expand mountain biking in the park would gain traction, so to speak. During my hundreds of hikes in the park, I have nearly been run over by mountain bikes speeding downhill. Many others I know have experienced similar near-accidents and some people have been hit by bikes. User safety is a real concern. In addition, I could see the negative impact of bikes on the trails.

I know the lobbying by mountain bikers has been intense. Since hiking is primarily a solitary activity, I doubt that hikers band together in clubs or association to make their voices heard. I write today to plead with the City Council to leave us this precious place for solitude into the city.

I urge the City Council to slow down, smell the roses, listen to the myriad voices and look closely at the various master plans for the park, some of which are actual ordinances and land-use law. They were written to protect those natural features that make Forest Park unique among all city parks in the nation. With all of the growth, density and increasing traffic and noise in my neighborhood, I am hopeful that the council in its wisdom might see that this refuge should remain as envisioned.

I close with two quotes. Frederick Olmsted, who envisioned Forest Park in 1903 said, "This place of wild woodland characters should be intended only for passive recreation, for mental refreshment, which can only be derived from the quiet contemplation of natural scenery."

And the second, from Thornton Munger, the first chair of the Committee of Fifty, appointed by the City Club to create Forest Park: "The wilderness within a city is not a place for speeding; there should be no need for haste...it is hoped that the feeling of an extensive, uninterrupted forest sanctuary may be preserved."

Others may say that with enough rules, signs and enforcement, we can increase mechanized activities in Forest Park and everyone can co-exist. But once you've taken this step, you can never go back. I'm hopeful you will leave us this sanctuary, this unique place within a major urban area in the United States. It's one of the things Portland is praised for. Let's not take that away.

Mike Lindberg is a former Portland City Commissioner. He lives in Southeast Portland.