SPOTLIGHT: THE CONTINUING EFFORTS
FOR TRAIL ADVOCACY
The Call-to-Action for
Butterfly Trail Singapore
Trail usage has always been one of the biggest issue concerning mountain biking communities around the world. Land use is a sensitive topic that concerns many stakeholders. From a mountain biking community's point of view, these stakeholders include the land owners, managing authorities, hikers, nature protection groups and other users of any plot of land. One beautiful and well-used trail in Singapore has been the focal point for the past few years. And this trail is again in the limelight lately due to an announcement reported by a local newspaper of its permanent closure. The mountain biking community decide that it is time to do their part to "fight" for what is endearing to them.
BUTTERFLY TRAIL TO BE CLOSED PERMANENTLY!
The recent announcement for closure of Butterfly trail seemed like the last straw for Mountain Bike Association Singapore (MBASG) in their continuing effort for conversation with the authorities. This led to their recent Call-to-Action to rally the support of the mountain biking community in Singapore to support the petition and appeal to the authorities through a series of civic channels. They are hoping that all concerned mountain bikers send personal letters to their Minister of Environment, Chairman of Government Parliamentary Committee for National Development & Environment and respective Member of Parliament .
MBASG, was formed in July 2012 by a group of volunteers who felt very strongly about trail advocacy in Singapore. They seek to serve as a link between the National Parks Board (Nparks) and the mountain biking community, and to promote responsible conduct amongst mountain bikers in Singapore. They are currently managed by a pro-tem committee and had been steadfast with their good behaviors and objectives, especially with the government offices.
A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE MOUNTAIN BIKING COMMUNITY FOR ADVOCACY WORKS
For a fair share of trail use at nature reserves, different stakeholders need to have their representative bodies to voice out their views. Many times, these bodies share expert knowledge and details that help the authorities make sound decisions. But here lies one problem. Any consultative bodies that has good spokespersons may end up getting more attention. Eventual decisions made, though based on expert views, could be skewed to facilitate one group of users more than another. From the mountain biking community's point of view, MBASG is that body that could equalize any imbalance during conversations or debates. While we are not willing to speculate whether there would be eventual balance of views from all stakeholders, we could at least be sure that there is a representative voice for mountain bikers in Singapore.
TIME FOR ACTION NOW!
A fair advocacy is needed to encourage and promote mountain biking as a sport. MBASG had given a sound argument for their advocacy. It is reasonable and methodical. Their success would be a big step for Singapore mountain bikers. Support their Call-to-Action HERE.
For more information, please visit MBASG at http://www.mbasg.org