IMBA reaches agreement with Park Service

[Charlie Schuessler]

Velo News on-line is reporting that IMBA Signed a Breakthrough Agreement with National Park Service

"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."

http://www.velonews.com/pr/prn/articles/7976.0.html

We frequently visit Acadia National Park and do not believe there will be any changes there...I'm not sure what to think about this...

What do you think?

 

[ctenidae]

As I understand it, the main reason for the ban was erosion issues. If the IMBA is going to work to keep bikers on sort of restricted lines, and perhaps work with the FS to rehab overused trails, I don't see a problem at all. In fact, good for them.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

I think Acadia is unique with all those carriage roads to bike on but not probably what hardcore mountain bikers are looking for.

There is no question that mountain biking damages trails. If it is a popular trail it doesn't take long to produce a foot deep gully.

In places like the slick rock country in southern Utah, around Moab for example, mountain biking is huge. Rock doesn't get damaged like a dirt trail in Grand Teton or Yellowstone would.

The original reason why our national park system was formed was for preservation, the National Forest system for recreation and commercial use. That's why the NPS is in the Dept of Interior and the NFS is in the Dept of Agriculture. Lots of exceptions now but recreation is not the main reason for the national park system.

Personally I would like to see non-human transportaion used only on designated roads in the national parks. Snowmobiles, RV's, cars and mountain bikes. I feel it's a wildlife and trail maintenance issue rather than an access issue. The national forests offers millions of acres for snowmobile, atv's and mountain bikers.

If there are trails in national parks where the wildlife and trail damage issues are mitigated plus it won't diminish the experience for those walking/hiking the trail than I say let mountain bikers use it. But on a case by case basis..not nationwide.

 

[ctenidae]

Did you know the USA Patriot Act opened up parts of Yellowstone to snowmobilers?
Clearly in the interests of national security, there. It's important the Rangers be able to track the, er, renegade, er, elk, who are plotting to end our very way of life.

Speaking of snowmobiles, that is.