IMBA Pleased With New BLM Mountain Biking Plan
Bicycling Strategic Action Plan for the management of mountain biking on the
BLM's 262 million acres of public land. The 31-page document represents the
most comprehensive mountain bike management plan created by any land
management agency.
The plan was announced yesterday, November 12, at the National Trails
Symposium in Orlando, Florida.
"This is a great plan," said IMBA's executive director Tim Blumenthal. "It
addresses the current desires of mountain bikers, leaves most decision making
to local managers, and is adaptable as the sport evolves."
The BLM decided to produce a mountain bike-specific plan last year following
a flood of comments from IMBA leaders and members on the BLM's Off-Highway
Vehicle Strategy. That plan originally proposed to group mountain bike
management with that of motorized vehicles.
Mountain bikers played a key role in shaping the new plan. The BLM considered
thousands of cyclists' comments, sent a team of leaders to the 2002 IMBA
Mountain Bike Advocacy Summit, and included long-time IMBA advocate Mark
Flint of Tucson, Arizona, as an advisor.
The BLM did not adopt suggestions from the American Hiking Society and others
that recommended a "closed-unless-open" trail policy and a prohibition of
bicycling from national conservation areas.
IMBA believes the 10-year plan sets a positive, proactive direction for the
BLM. It offers constructive advice to local managers, clearly recognizes
changing demographics, identifies emerging bicycle and trailbuilding
technologies, and discusses other issues unique to mountain biking.
The BLM now faces the challenge of implementing the plan. IMBA will cooperate
with the agency by providing volunteer resources and technical assistance.
IMBA will also continue to seek adequate recreation management funding from
Congress.
The plan is available here.
