IMBA Signs Breakthrough Agreement with National Park Service

May 2, 2005

If you've ever tried to enjoy a National Park by mountain bike, chances are
you've been disappointed. With some notable exceptions, America's premier
park system is closed to off-road riding.

That's going to change with a new five-year agreement just signed by the
IMBA and the National Park Service. For the first time, National Park
Service leaders in Washington, D.C., have formally recognized mountain
biking as a positive activity, compatible with the values of our National
Park system.

The agreement offers potential opportunity for new access to hundreds of
dirt roads in National Park units that have been closed to bicycling. While
National Park Service rules require a lengthy process to open singletrack to
bicycle use, appropriate dirt roads may be opened with a more
straightforward administrative process.

"This agreement represents a true breakthrough for mountain biking," said
IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel. "It opens the door for individual
park units to partner with mountain bikers and investigate new riding
opportunities on a case-by-case basis."

As part of the agreement, IMBA and the Park Service will initially partner
on two pilot projects to be selected later this year. The projects will
bring mountain bikers and park officials together for on-the-ground teamwork
and serve as models for future collaboration.

Additionally, IMBA will provide technical and volunteer assistance to
National Park units that are interested in improving their off-road cycling
opportunities. IMBA programs such as the National Mountain Bike Patrol,
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and the IMBA club network can now apply their
stewardship skills to our National Parks.

So what does the future hold? While mountain bikers shouldn't expect a
revolution of new singletrack in National Parks, the partnership signals an
encouraging direction for the future. With enhanced communication and
cooperation between IMBA and the National Park Service, mountain bikers can
anticipate that cycling opportunities in National Park units will continue
to improve.

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Official Press Release:
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/05_05/05_02_nps_imba.html

Speaking Points for IMBA's Agreement with the NPS
http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps_speaking_points.html

IMBA and the National Park Service Resource Page
http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps.html

Submit Your Favorite National Park Service Unit for Mountain Biking
http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps_form.html



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