IMBA Signs Breakthrough Agreement with National Park ServiceMay 2, 2005If you've ever tried to enjoy a National Park by mountain bike, chancesare you've been disappointed. With some notable exceptions, America's premierpark system is closed to off-road riding.That's going to change with a new five-year agreement just signed bythe IMBA and the National Park Service. For the first time, National ParkService leaders in Washington, D.C., have formally recognized mountainbiking as a positive activity, compatible with the values of our NationalPark system.The agreement offers potential opportunity for new access to hundredsof dirt roads in National Park units that have been closed to bicycling.While National Park Service rules require a lengthy process to open singletrackto bicycle use, appropriate dirt roads may be opened with a more straightforwardadministrative process."This agreement represents a true breakthrough for mountain biking,"said IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel. "It opens the door for individualpark units to partner with mountain bikers and investigate new riding opportunitieson a case-by-case basis."As part of the agreement, IMBA and the Park Service will initially partneron two pilot projects to be selected later this year. The projects willbring mountain bikers and park officials together for on-the-ground teamworkand serve as models for future collaboration.Additionally, IMBA will provide technical and volunteer assistance toNational Park units that are interested in improving their off-road cyclingopportunities. IMBA programs such as the National Mountain Bike Patrol,Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and the IMBA club network can now apply theirstewardship skills to our National Parks.So what does the future hold? While mountain bikers shouldn't expecta revolution of new singletrack in National Parks, the partnership signalsan encouraging direction for the future. With enhanced communication andcooperation between IMBA and the National Park Service, mountain bikerscan anticipate that cycling opportunities in National Park units will continueto improve.-----Official Press Release:
http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/05_05/05_02_nps_imba.htmlSpeaking Points for IMBA's Agreement with the NPS
http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps_speaking_points.htmlIMBA and the National Park Service Resource Page
http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps.htmlSubmit Your Favorite National Park Service Unit forMountain Biking
http://www.imba.com/resources/agencies/nps_form.html-----Like this IMBA eNewsletter? If so, forward it to a friend. Not a member?Join IMBA today at http://www.imba.com