For Immediate Release
02-12-09
Contact: Drew Vankat, Policy Analyst
drew@imba.com
303-545-9011

Ask all of your riding friends to take action and support improved mountain biking opportunities in U.S. national parks. We’re down to the final week for public comments — this is your last chance! Please forward this alert to everyone who rides; we need their support to create better trail experiences in America’s most treasured parks.

Take Action!

IMBA’s online form makes it easy to send your letter to the National Park Service (NPS).

This important rule change will let individual parks — using established processes for public comment and environmental review — decide whether to expand mountain biking on dirt trails. This is a monumental change that benefits mountain bikers in several ways:

More Great Riding Near You

NPS properties can be found in rural, suburban and urban areas throughout the country. With 391 park units, there are NPS lands you may not even know about.

Increased Park Visitation Fosters Environmental Stewardship

As a “gateway sport,” bicycling attracts new people to outdoor recreation in national parks and provides them an ideal way to appreciate the natural world.

Bicycling Will Gain Momentum

With the NPS rule change official, trail users, land managers and public officials will receive a strong message that bicycling is a positive form of outdoor recreation. Picture the impact this will have on state and regional parks, as well as future environmental planning and recreation across the country.

Want to learn more about the proposed rule change? See our comprehensive analysis, including NPS issues mountain biking can alleviate.

IMBA has been asking for this change since 1993. The time is upon us and we need you to support the NPS in their efforts to improve mountain bike access in our national parks.

By joining IMBA you demonstrate your support of national parks and bicycling.

The advances this decision will make for the parks, environment and your riding lifestyle are truly remarkable. But the clock is ticking – we urge you to become a member today. If you care about mountain biking and national parks, you belong with us.

• May 26, 2009 -- Support Historic Opportunity for NEW Mountain Bike Access in Marin County, California
• January 8, 2009 -- Help Support Mountain Biking in National Parks
• August 28, 2008 -- Riding Green – 10 Tips for Riding Responsibly

Make your voice heard by registering comments in support of the new rule. IMBA has made it easy for you to lend support by filling out an online letter.

We know that several groups are working hard to defeat this proposal. It will take thousands of comments supporting the NPS to ensure the rule is approved. Please lend your voice to the discussion today.

Click here for a more detailed outline and a white paper analysis of the proposed change or go to IMBA.com.

Why is this important?

1. This proposal achieves a more manageable and efficient system for adopting mountain bike trails in National Parks.
2. Cycling in National Parks is a way to connect people with the natural world. Something you cannot do from the seat of your car.
3. Shared-use trails have proven successful in thousands of locations, including many federally managed parks.
4. This proposal will make history. Your children and grandchildren will enjoy the benefits for years to come.

So many people have helped get this proposal this far in the process. Now it’s your opportunity to lend a hand and make a historic difference. Please ask your friends and family to sign the proposal as well. The more support we give, the better our chance of passing the new proposal.

• February 17, 2009 -- Last Day to Support Bikes in National Parks
• November 7, 2008 -- Separation of Bike and State?
• October 30, 2008 -- Poachers Need Not Apply
• September 17, 2008 -- Sherman Branch, Section Two
• August 28, 2008 -- Riding Green – 10 Tips for Riding Responsibly
• August 17, 2008 -- Sherman Branch – Section One