Help Keep Bat Nest Road Open to Public Use

Several OGG routes use Bat Nest Road and it would be a shame to lose access because a private landowner is forcing a closure on a whim.

Learn more about the closure here and get the Knox County Commissioners emails to send a sample message below.
https://ridebdr.com/news/bdr-statement-on-proposed-closure-of-bat-nest-road/#howtohelp

Sample email

Subject: Please Keep Bat Nest Road Open to Public Use

Dear Knox County Commissioners,

I am writing to express my opposition to closing Bat Nest Road.

Bat Nest Road is a legally designated public roadway and is currently open to all street-legal vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles. Any closure of a public road should be based on a clear public need and follow established legal procedures, not the request of a single private landowner.

This road supports tourism in Knox County. Adventure, dual-sport motorcyclists, and bicyclists travel from across Ohio and beyond to ride nearby routes such as the Ohio BDR and the Great Ohio Adventure Trail, spending money locally on fuel, food, and lodging.

Closing Bat Nest Road would set a concerning precedent. Allowing public roads to be closed at the request of private individuals risks broader loss of public access throughout the county and state.

There is no evidence that closure is necessary for safety or maintenance reasons. Private individuals do not have the authority to restrict or post public roads, and lawful public use should not be preemptively prohibited.

This closure request appears to serve private interests rather than the public good. I respectfully urge the County to keep Bat Nest Road open and accessible to the public.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[City / County]