Precedent Threatens Backcountry Singletrack

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
08-30-06
Contact: Drew Vankat

303-545-9011

View a slideshow of some of the threatened Montana singletrack

A dangerous new Forest Service policy could close hundreds of miles of singletrack in two states. This potentially precedent-setting change must be stopped before it spreads to other states. Act now to preserve mountain bike access to singletrack in backcountry areas.

"This could become the largest access issue in five years," warns Jenn Dice, IMBA's government affairs director. This policy would expel mountain bikers from more than 700 miles of singletrack in Montana and Idaho and, if left unchallenged, could set national precedent.

What You Can Do

Take Action! Tell the Forest Service that bicycles should not be categorically banned from Recommended Wilderness. Our easy online form takes seconds to complete. Deadline: Sept. 7

Donate to the IMBA Legal Fund. Swift response to issues like this takes preparation and money. Your donation will help ensure that IMBA's rapid response team is ready to act when an access issue strikes in your backyard.

Forward to a Friend. The Forest Service needs to know how many mountain bikers care. Our chance of saving mountain biking access improves with each cyclist who submits a comment.

Protection of Recommended Wilderness areas is very important to mountain bikers. These lands are roadless, free of development or resource extraction, and loaded with miles of backcountry singletrack and scenery to explore.

Most national forests allow existing uses like bicycling to continue in areas recommended to possibly become Wilderness, before the formal Wilderness designation takes place. Unfortunately, forests in Montana and northern Idaho will not. Banning bicycles from these areas could have far-reaching negative consequences and lead to trail closures in your national forests.

Normally, the Forest Service is very positive towards mountain biking and the Montana and Idaho policy is a departure from other Forest Service regions.

IMBA needs mountain bicyclists coast-to-coast to take action, asking the Forest Service to protect the land and continue bicycle access - they can do both!

Involvement and donations from riders like you make a difference in defending our sport. Please learn more about this issue or take action now!