The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) isn’t just about trails; it’s about transforming outdoor access. From bustling urban centers to awe-inspiring backcountry EPICs, IMBA’s mission harnesses the power of bicycles to create sustainable communities. Planet Bike, a supporter since 2004, aligns with IMBA’s environmental commitment through 1% for the Planet. Let’s explore IMBA’s impact!

IMBA’s roots trace back to 1988 when five California mountain bike clubs joined forces. Their goal was to establish a central hub for innovative trail management solutions and secure land access for mountain bike trails. Today, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, IMBA remains the sole organization covering the entire United States with an unwavering focus on creating trails and fostering access for all types of mountain bikers across the country.

Creating Sustainable Trail Communities

Gone are the days of rogue trail building—where a handful of community members would secretly construct trails, hoping they wouldn’t be shut down once discovered. IMBA has adopted a visionary approach to trail development. Before shovels hit the ground, they set a strong foundation by communicating the benefits of trails within communities. This vision-building process garners widespread support, ensuring that trails thrive and remain sustainable for all users.

An exemplary success story lies in Cedar City, Utah’s Cedar Creek trail system. Watch how this community embraced IMBA’s vision-setting approach: 

Trail Programming and Workshops

IMBA equips local advocates with professional tools, including self-assessments, land management schools, and trail care workshops. Their comprehensive solutions foster sustainable trail visions.

Find Your Local IMBA Chapter

More trails closer to home provides unprecedented access to the wide range of health and community benefits that mountain biking offers. IMBA has helped create, enhance and protect trail systems that provide access to all users. Currently 96 riding destinations have been created with another 92 committed and over 640 communities engaged with IMBA’s trail building process. They aim to partner with another 250 new communities to build great local trails in the next year.

Do you want to get involved with IMBA today? Find your local IMBA chapter and start connecting with trails close to home: https://www.imba.com/find-your-group?param=chapter