Thursday, 28 March 2024
NewsTrade Opinions

Trail advocacy orgs – IMBA and STC – relationship to be “closer and more productive”

The International Mountain Biking Association and the Sustainable Trails Coalition have issued a joint statement in which they have declared a closer working relationship and called on trail users to turn advocates.

“IMBA and the STC are working more closely and productively together now than we have in the past,” said IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel. “In truth, there has been a working relationship since the inception of the STC, but this joint statement confirms that we hold common values and a mutual desire for greater bicycle access.”

“It’s important for people to know that mountain biking advocacy groups agree about the need to address certain Wilderness-related issues, even if we may sometimes adopt different tactics,” said STC President Ted Stroll. “The joint statement is meant to demonstrate that.”

The partnership’s key elements include:

  • Both IMBA and the STC value enhanced bike access and will encourage mountain bikers to get engaged in each organization’s separate missions and advocacy efforts.
  • IMBA, STC and other mountain bike advocacy groups recognize that our power lies in the collective voice of all mountain bikers. Both parties wish for that voice to be united and stronger.
  • IMBA and the STC jointly ask everyone who participates in trail stewardship and the sport of mountain biking to please help maintain a positive, united front.

You can lend your support to the organisation’s trail building and access campaigns with the IMBA here or STC here