BIKERS ABLE TO WHEEL ON TRAIL.

Byline: Mark Langton Special to the Daily News

A group of about 70 hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers gathered Monday evening at Malibu Creek State Park's Campfire Center to listen to and give their opinions on California State Parks Regional Superintendent Daniel Preece's multi-use policy on a newly constructed section of the Tapia Spur Trail.

Preece has raised the ire of many recreationists who feel the trail is unacceptable for mountain bike use, claiming it is hazardous to the safety of hikers and equestrians. Citing the 1-1/2-mile trail between Malibu Creek State Park and Tapia Park as an important connector route, Preece defended his decision to open the trail to all visitors, including mountain bikers.

``I think it's the right decision to accommodate this large group to allow them to move from one area to another,'' said Preece, who has worked the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area for 10 years.

Also factoring into Preece's decision was the issue of safety. He stated that the trail would enable cyclists to avoid using the dangerous stretch of Malibu Canyon Road that was previously required for biking access between the parks.

Many at the meeting, which was not a public hearing but an informational gathering, stated that bikes do not belong on the trail because there is not enough room for hikers and equestrians to get out of the way of speeding cyclists. Several others suggested a parallel link or ``walk your bike'' policy for the existing trail.